European heatwave news: Italy and Spain gripped by deadly ‘Cerberus’ temperatures as cities placed on red alert
(REUTERS)
A deadly heatwave sweeps across Europe. In Spain, ground temperatures will reach over 60°C, while thunderstorms have been forecast for France.
The heatwave – dubbed ‘Cerberus’ by Italian forecasters – may bring record-breaking temperatures in the coming days, with a possible 48.8C in Italy.
Due to the severity of the extreme weather, a heat map for Europe has turned dark red and even black in some areas.
Forecasters have said the heatwave could last up to two weeks and one person has already died as a result.
The 44-year-old worker was reportedly painting a crosswalk in the town of Lodi outside Milan, Italy, in the 40C heat on Tuesday midday when he collapsed. He is said to have lost consciousness due to the intense heat.
“We are facing an unbearable heat wave,” Italian MP Nicola Fratoianni tweeted.
“Perhaps it is the case that in the hottest hours all reasonable precautions are taken to avoid tragedies like today in Lodi.”
A heat wave is spreading in America
America is also feeling the effects of the heat
A sustained heatwave swept a part of the United States stretching from California to southern Florida on Wednesday, and forecasters expected temperatures in the coming days that could break records in parts of the Southwest.
The National Weather Service issued advisories, warnings and excessive heat alerts for areas where about 100 million Americans live. Muggy conditions are expected to worsen over the weekend and continue into next week.
The southwest braced itself for potentially deadly heat as much of the area went on an excessive heat warning.
At the National Weather Service’s office in Phoenix, a meteorologist looks at his monitor and realizes that several heat records are about to be broken
(REUTERS)
William MataJuly 13, 2023 10:52 am
Thunderstorms are also forecast for France
Thunderstorms have been forecast for Paris and other parts of France on Saturday. The BBC weather reporter said “thundery showers and a moderate breeze” could be on the way.
Parts of the country have already been hit by showers this week.
It also rained at the Tour de France on Wednesday and the peloton got soaked on the approach to Moulins.
Daniel Oss, Italian rider of TotalEnergies, pedals in the rain, in a lone breakaway in front of the peloton during the 11th stage of the 110th edition of the Tour de France cycling race, 180 km between Clermont-Ferrand and Moulins, in central France
(AFP via Getty Images)
William MataJuly 13, 2023 10:31 am
Rome, Bologna and Florence are all on alert
Nine Italian cities have been placed on alert because of the extreme weather.
Bologna, Bolzano, Florence, Frosinone, Latina, Perugia, Turin, Rome and Rieti have all been warned.
Italy has already seen temperatures in excess of 40°C, while temperatures of up to 48°C have been forecast on the islands of Sicily and Sardinia.
The country was also home to the first fatality. A 44-year-old worker was reportedly painting a crosswalk in the town of Lodi outside Milan, Italy, in the 40C heat on Tuesday afternoon when he collapsed.
Italian MP Nicola Fratoianni tweeted: “We are facing an unbearable heatwave. Perhaps it is that in the hottest hours all useful precautions are taken to avoid tragedies like the one in #Lodi today.”
William MataJuly 13, 2023 10:05 am
Welcome to the live blog
Hello and welcome to our live updates on the European heatwave.
The Cerberus heatwave is impacting the lives of millions across the continent while threatening storms.
At least one person has died as record temperatures could hit in the coming days. Keep following us to learn more.
Pictured is a church at sunset as a heatwave hits Europe in Sancourt, France
(REUTERS)
William MataJuly 13, 2023 9:59 am
