Italy and Spain Face Record Temperatures and Health Concerns

Heat warnings have been issued for numerous cities across Italy and Spain, encompassing popular tourist destinations. A heat dome positioned over southern Europe is driving temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. This marks the region's first significant heatwave of the year, causing urban areas to experience extreme heat over the weekend.

Italian authorities placed 21 cities under "red alert," a designation signifying emergency conditions with potential adverse effects on both healthy individuals and those vulnerable due to age or chronic illness. Sixteen of these cities remained under the alert on Monday. Regional governments in Italy have also implemented restrictions on outdoor work, such as construction and agricultural labor, during the hottest hours of the day. Italian trade unions are reportedly advocating for similar measures to be enforced nationally, as the heatwave shows no signs of ending.

Hospitals in Italy have witnessed a surge in patients since the onset of the hot weather. Several facilities, including the Ospedale dei Colli in Naples, have established specialized "heatstroke pathways" to expedite treatment for individuals affected by the high temperatures. Other areas of southern Europe also experienced record-breaking temperatures for June over the weekend, with the southern Spanish province of Huelva recording 46 degrees Celsius on Saturday. Spain's national weather service anticipates no relief until Thursday. Thunderstorm warnings were also in effect on Monday, and heat alerts across the country were scheduled to begin on Tuesday afternoon. Temperatures in Portugal also reached approximately 43 degrees Celsius on Monday, prompting authorities to issue red heat warnings for seven of its 18 districts, which were lifted at 9 pm local time.