Europe heatwave live: Rome shatters temperature record as Switzerland, Spain and Greece battle fires

Temperature records have been shattered in Rome and Catalonia, provisional data suggests, as southern Europe is gripped by extreme heat and wildfires.

Britain’s Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Spain and Greece, with holidaymakers urged to sign up for emergency alerts and warned of travel disruption as temperatures soar.

Thousands have been evacuated in recent days, as firefighters continue to battle wildfires near Athens, in the Canary Islands and on a Switzerland mountainside.

Despite these devastating impacts, temperatures are forecast to climb further later this week and into the weekend, in conditions mirrored around the world as millions of people in the US, Asia and Africa also contend with extreme heat caused by the fossil-fuel-driven climate crisis.

Meteorologists predict that temperatures this week may surpass Europe’s current record of 48.8C, set in Sicily in August 2021, raising fears of a repetition of last year’s heat deaths, which saw an estimated 61,000 fatalities in Europe alone.

The EU's emergency response coordination centre issued red alerts for high temperatures for most of Italy, northeastern Spain, Croatia, Serbia, southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.

Key Points

• Brits travelling to Europe given updated travel advice during extreme heat

• Italy braces for record-breaking heat as temperatures set to soar to 48C

• WMO warns of risk of heart attacks and deaths as heatwave intensifies

• Wildfires threaten seaside homes outside Greek capital after heatwave

• Heatwave ‘likely to continue into August’, says UN

Wildfires continue in Greece as EU allies send aid

08:15 , Tara Cobham

Wildfires burned for a third day west of the Greek capital Athens on Wednesday, as authorities braced for a new heatwave stoking tinderbox conditions across the country.

At first light, air water bombers resumed operations over the towns of Mandra, west of Athens, and Loutraki, close to the Corinth canal which separates mainland Greece from the Peloponnese. Firefighters worked throughout the night to keep flames at bay and away from a complex of coastal refineries.

Four aircraft sent from Italy and France will join the efforts on Wednesday, authorities said.

The fire brigade reported that a third fire had broken out on the island of Rhodes.

Dozens of homes were gutted and hundreds forced to flee towering flames which seared through hamlets on Tuesday. Traffic was suspended for hours on two roads connecting the mainland to the Peloponnese. They were partially reopened early Wednesday.

The fire risk hazard was high throughout the country. "We remain on a level of high alert," said fire brigade spokesman Vassilis Varthakogiannis. The Greek meteorological service has warned of a high risk of fires this week, just as the country recovers from the first major heatwave of the summer. A second heatwave was forecast to start on Thursday.

British family abandons £2.5k Greek holiday over blistering 40C heatwave

10:35 , Tara Cobham

A British family abandoned their £2,500 Greek holiday three days early because of the unbearable Cerberus heatwave - saying their hotel turned into a "giant oven".

Sally Urwin, 49, and her two teenage sons decided to jet back from Rhodes after temperatures soared above 40C.

The trio landed on the island on 12 July and had been planning to stay for a week.

But the heatwave forced them to spend all day in their hotel, which became boiling hot, said Ms Urwin.

Josie Adnitt reports:

British family abandon £2.5k Greek holiday over blistering 40C Cerberus heatwave

Germany debates need for siesta and cold footbaths amid sizzling temperatures

10:20 , Tara Cobham

A public health group has recommended the introduction of siestas in Germany as temperatures soar in a sizzling summer heatwave.

Johannes Niessen, the head of the BVOeGD public health officers association, said Germans should follow the habits of people in the hotter climes of southern Europe.

"Get up early, work productively in the morning, and take a siesta at midday," he said in an interview published by the RND media network on Tuesday.

The World Meteorological Organization warned a heatwave in the northern hemisphere was set to intensify, increasing the risk of deaths linked to excessively high temperatures.

While Germany has escaped the kind of temperatures that hit southern Europe this week, it has sweltered in the mid-30s Celsius, with Bavaria seeing the country's record high so far at 38.8 degrees Celsius.

"People are not as efficient in strong heat as they are otherwise," Niessen said. "Moreover bad sleep in the absence of cooling in the night leads to concentration problems."

‘Extreme heat is major hazard’ warns WMO alongside global map

09:35 , Tara Cobham

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that “extreme heat is a major hazard” as it releases a map by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts showing the heatwave gripping the world.

In pictures: Heatwave grips Europe

09:13 , Tara Cobham

Beijing sets new record for most number of high-temperature days in year

09:03 , Tara Cobham

Beijing logged its 28th day of temperatures of more than 35C on Wednesday, setting a new record for the most number of high-temperature days in a year, a milestone that was last broken just a day earlier.

In recent days, temperatures in Asia, Europe and the United States have shattered records, adding new urgency for nations around the globe to tackle climate change that scientists say will make heatwaves more frequent, severe and lethal.

As the sweltering heat baked the country's north and northwest, China and the United States - the world's largest greenhouse gas emitters - have been holding intense, marathon talks in Beijing this week on fighting climate change.

U.S. climate envoy John Kerry said on Tuesday that climate change was a global issue - "a threat to all of humankind."

Which holiday destinations will be hottest this week and how can you stay safe?

08:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The Cerberus heatwave has been causing the mercury to rise across southern Europe since last week, bringing temperatures of 40C and upwards in some parts of the continent.

With preliminary figures showing Earth’s average temperature set a new record high on 13 July for the third time in a week, this new spell of hot weather will continue to impact holidaymakers – particularly those heading for the Mediterranean countries of Spain, Italy and Greece – as well as locals.

The heatwave has been caused by a combination of unusually high surface temperatures at sea and an area of high pressure over the Mediterranean, with the addition of clouds of Saharan dust in some areas.

If you’re currently on holiday in Europe or getting ready to depart, you may be wondering what you’ll encounter across the Channel. Here are the literal holiday hotspots that are predicted to hit the highest temperatures this week, plus tips on how best to avoid the punishing heat while you’re travelling.

Chris Wilson reports.

The hottest destinations in Europe this week – and how to stay safe

Heatwaves to become more severe, say UN experts

07:45 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said heatwaves like the one hitting Europe currently will become more severe in the coming years due to extreme weather patterns.

“These events will continue to grow in intensity and the world needs to prepare for more intense heatwaves,” said John Nairn, senior extreme heat adviser at the agency.

Meanwhile, the EU’s emergency response coordination centre issued red alerts for high temperatures for most of Italy, northeastern Spain, Croatia, Serbia, southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.

Passengers pass out as Vegas flight stranded in 43.8C heat on tarmac

07:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Multiple passengers passed out and had to be wheeled away in stretchers and some reportedly soiled themselves on Monday after their Delta Air Lines flight sat in stifling heat on the tarmac at the Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.

Passengers were first alerted to an issue as their flight sat behind over a dozen other planes preparing to take off.

The pilot informed passengers the plane would be turning around due to emergencies, according to a Fox News producer who was aboard the flight.

Those in the cabin were instructed to remain in their seats until paramedics could meet the plane. As the situation worsened, the Fox producer witnessed passengers faint and others soil themselves as the plane sat in the baking 111F (43.8C) heat.

Josh Marcus and Rituparna Chatterjee report.

Passengers carted off in stretchers as Vegas flight stranded in extreme heat

Met Office gives update on whether 40C heatwave would hit Britain

07:15 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Any remaining rain in central and eastern England is expected to clear on Wednesday, giving way to a day of “sunshine and showers”, according to the latest forecast by the Met Office.

According to a Met spokesperson, the central and eastern regions can expect the highest frequency and intensity of showers. Wednesday is going to be “widely warmer than Tuesday”.

There are lower chances of the UK’s temperature climbing upto 40C after days of unsettled July weather.

Met Office spokesperson Grahame Madge said there was “no forecast signal” for temperatures to reach as high as 40C although a long-range forecast showed some heat returning in August.

Stuti Mishra reports.

Met Office gives update on whether 40C heatwave would hit Britain

Why is there no UK heatwave?

07:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

A deadly heatwave sweeping across Europe with temperatures forecast to shatter records in the coming days stands in complete contrast to the weather faced by the United Kingdom that has had wet and windy conditions continuing this week.

As the UK gets prolonged showers – the Met Office predicts unsettled conditions to continue for the next few days – the Mediterranean region grapples with soaring heat that could touch a new European record as soon as this week.

Experts have said the European heatwave is because of an area of high pressure named after the underworld monster from Dante’s Inferno – Cerberus.

The area of high pressure comes as the world recently experienced record-shattering temperatures that have fuelled baking heatwaves in several countries like the US – that has seen contrasting weather extremes of its own.

The UK, on the other hand, finds itself under the influence of a different weather pattern that has brought in more rain and thus pulled down temperatures after the country got its hottest June on record, pointed out experts.

Stuti Mishra explains.

Why is there no UK heatwave as Europe swelters during Charon?

Wildfires force hundreds to evacuate Greece as EU pledge assistance

06:45 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Two wildfires swept uncontrolled through forestland and towns northwest of Athens, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes as authorities shut down highways to protect an oil refinery.

Water-dropping airplanes and helicopters flew low as a blanket of smoke tinted orange by the sunset to try and contain two wildfires to the west of Athens.

The EU has pledged additional assistance, while forecasts indicated more extreme heat was on the way.

Traffic was suspended for hours on two national roads connecting Athens with the cities of Elefsina and Corinth, where oil refineries operate. The flames were headed toward the seaside town of Nea Peramos.

Homes and a small shipyard in the town of Neos Pontos had been destroyed. Earlier a thick column of smoke rose into the sky after an explosion, a witness told Reuters.

Britons recall ‘unbearable’ heat a year on

06:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Residents in the town that recorded the UK’s highest temperature have recalled the “unbearable” heat one year on.

A temperature of 40.3C was recorded in Coningsby, Lincolnshire, on 19 July 2022 as the country was hit with record-high temperatures for several days.

Trevor Pattinson, manager of RH Papworth butchers in the town, told PA news agency he and his staff still worked 10-hour days throughout the heatwave and despite the tough conditions, “everybody still wanted us to bake pies”.

He said: “We struggled, we topped out at 48 degrees inside when we had the big oven on.“We are always eight to 10 degrees warmer in the shop anyway. It was unbearable. We had to have lots of water and ice cream.”

Julia Harrington, who also works in the butchers, said she spent much of her day in the shop’s refrigerated unit due to the heat.

“We worry about having to do it next year. There was a report about a heatwave coming this year and we were all getting a bit twitchy,” she said.

Satellite images reveal extent of heatwave across Europe

06:15 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Satellite photos illustrating the ongoing exceptional heatwave in southern Europe have been released by the European Space Agency as global temperatures soar towards alarming highs with records expected to be broken.

One of the Copernicus Sentinel-3 satellite images captured on Sunday reveals a clear view of Greece without clouds, while another uses data from the mission’s radiometer instrument to show the land surface temperature across Europe and parts of northern Africa on the first day of the recent heatwaves.

Meteorologists predict that temperatures this week could surpass Europe’s current record of 48.8C, set in Sicily in August 2021, while the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has forecast the heatwave is likely to last into August.

Tara Cobham reports.

Incredible satellite images reveal extent of heatwave across Europe

Families unable to cancel summer holidays despite extreme heat warnings and wildfires

05:47 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Families face having to cancel their summer holidays to Spain and Greece with no compensation, despite the exceptional heatwave subjecting swathes of Europe to extreme temperatures and wildfires.

While the Foreign Office has issued warnings over scorching temperatures in both Spain and Greece, as wildfires rage on La Palma and near Athens, the UK government has so far stopped short of issuing “don’t travel” advice.

As a result, there is no automatic right for families to curtail, cancel or change planned trips, and holiday companies and airlines contacted by The Independent say normal terms and conditions will apply.

More from Simon Calder and Andy Gregory here.

Families unable to cancel summer holidays despite extreme heat warnings and wildfires

Rise in hospitalisations due to heat-related illness in Italy

05:45 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

There has been a sharp rise in the number of people seeking emergency care for heat-related illness as a severe heatwave continues to sweep Europe.

Hospitals reported a 20-25 per cent increase in the number of people at emergency units with complaints of dehydration or other illnesses caused by heat as temperatures in Rome hit 41.86C.

The Cardarelli hospital in Naples said 231 patients had accessed emergency care there within the last 24 hours, The Guardian reported.

While most patients were elderly, people of all ages, including tourists, have been seeking care.“We are experiencing an extremely delicate moment,” Antonio d’Amore, the hospital’s director-general told the daily.

Two per cent of the people admitted on Monday were in serious condition and 38 per cent in moderately critical condition, the director-general added.

Sicily crosses 46C as temperatures forecast to soar

05:15 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Sicily recorded 46.3C yesterday as the rest of southern Europe struggled with a severe heatwave, according to the World Meteorological Organization.

The Spanish state meteorological service warned of temperatures between 42C and 44C and issued top-level red alerts for some interior parts of the country and the Balearic Islands.

Italy’s national meteorological service also issued red alerts for extreme heat in southern Italy, Sicily and Sardinia, with temperatures well above 40C.

Parts of the Balkans are also under red alert.

The heat is forecast to intensify by the middle of the week in parts of the Mediterranean, including Greece and Turkey.

In Spain, the town of Figueres in Catalonia recorded 45.3C yesterday.

How long is the heatwave in Europe expected to last?

04:45 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Europe is set to continue to bake under extreme heat for weeks as global temperatures soar towards alarming highs with records expected to be broken.

Another anticyclone dubbed “Charon”, who in Greek mythology was the ferryman of the dead, advanced into the Mediterranean region from North Africa on Sunday and could soon lift temperatures well above 45C in parts of Italy, Spain and Greece.

The unrelenting heatwave has shown no sign of abating on Tuesday, with Italy bracing for its highest-ever temperature as Sardinia and Sicily have been forecast to reach 48C. Meanwhile, 20 out of the country’s 27 main cities have been issued with red warning alerts - signalling a possible health threat for anyone exposed to the heat - with the number expected to rise to 23 on Wednesday.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has forecast the heatwave should intensify by mid-week, with a spokeswoman telling The Independent the “above normal temperatures” of the past week are expected to continue over the next week.

Tara Cobham has more.

How long is the heatwave in Europe expected to last?

Arizona driver claims extreme heat melted her car light

04:15 , Matt Drake

As Arizona swelters in a punishing 19-day heatwave, one motorist has claimed that the extreme temperatures melted her car light.

Sierra Ramos posted a TikTok on Monday showing her tail light had apparently liquefied in the summer heat.

“Guys, the light is melting,” she says in the viral clip which has racked up more than 260,000 views in 24 hours.

“Crazy it was 131 degrees outside,” Ms Ramos added in a caption.

Phoenix was expected to set a record-breaking stretch of 19 days when the temperatures topped 110F (43C) on Tuesday. Gauges reached a scorching 114F (45.5C) on Monday.

Arizona driver claims extreme heat melted her car light

Expert warns of heart attack risk as heatwaves intensify

03:53 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Mallorca issues ‘extreme risk’ warning as holiday companies insist normal terms apply for cancellations

03:40 , Matt Drake

As the build-up to the peak getaway weekend gets under way, holidaymakers heading for the favourite Spanish island destination, Mallorca, face “extreme risk”.

Spain’s state meteorological office, Aemet, is warning temperatures in the north, northeast and centre could reach up to 43C. The area includes popular resorts such as Alcudia and Port de Pollenca.

The official rating is “extreme risk” between 11am and 8pm local time today.

The Majorca Daily Bulletin reports that overnight highs above 36C have been recorded, including in the marina resort of Puerto Soller, with nighttime humidity that can reach 100 per cent.

The Foreign Office has issued warnings of extreme temperatures for both Spain and Greece, where wildfires have been raging.

Mallorca ‘extreme risk’ heat warning as holiday companies insist normal terms apply

Heatwaves set records, trigger health warnings in US and Europe

02:40 , Matt Drake

Heatwaves intensified across southern and eastern Europe, Asia, and much of the United States on Tuesday as the World Meteorological Organisation warned of an increased risk of deaths due to the extreme weather.

Across the United States, Americans grappled with a medley of extreme weather, from blazing heat to wildfire smoke-choked air and flood warnings, with a tropical storm headed for the Pacific island state of Hawaii on Tuesday afternoon.

The southwestern city of Phoenix, Arizona, on Tuesday exceeded 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 Celsius) for the 19th day in a row, breaking its all-time record of 18 straight days over 110.

Forget Cerberus – these heatwaves will soon be Britain’s new normal

01:40 , Matt Drake

Europe braces for temperatures touching 49C. Fires rage in the forests of Spain. More than a dozen cities across Italy are put on red heat alert. The Acropolis is closed to tourists as holidaymakers buckle in the midday sun.

The current Cerberus heatwave in Southern Europe, we have been told, could well lead to “potentially the hottest temperatures ever recorded in Europe”, while we have also been told that the first week of July was the hottest week ever recorded worldwide.

This year has also seen the hottest June on record in the UK, with an average temperature of 15.8C during the month. And, just last year, the temperature in the UK crossed 40C for the first time ever.

Forget Cerberus – these heatwaves will soon be Britain’s new normal

Wildfires in Greece close highways and threaten an oil refinery, as the EU sends firefighting planes

Wednesday 19 July 2023 00:40 , Matt Drake

Fast-moving wildfires swept across hills in the searing heat outside the Greek capital on Tuesday, forcing authorities to close highways to help protect an oil refinery.Water-dropping airplanes and helicopters flew low though a blanket of smoke tinted orange by the sunset to try and contain two wildfires to the west of Athens before nightfall.The European Union pledged additional assistance, while forecasts indicated more extreme heat was on the way.Italy and France were each sending two firefighting planes to help Greece cope. The planes and their teams are part of an EU civil protection mechanism, and they will join some 30 Romanian firefighters already stationed in Greece as part of a seasonal EU fire program, European officials said Tuesday.

What has happened today?

Tuesday 18 July 2023 23:40 , Matt Drake

• Simultaneous heatwaves across Europe, America and Asia continued

• Heatwave in the northern hemisphere has been predicted to intensify in the coming days

• WMO warned of increased risk of deaths from heatwaves

• Large swathes of southern and eastern Europe were placed on heatwave red alert

• A pensioner died of suspected heatstroke in Cyprus

2023 is set to be hottest on record amid global heatwaves, scientists say

Tuesday 18 July 2023 22:40 , Matt Drake

This year is set to be the hottest on record for Earth, scientists said, amid blistering heatwaves across the northern hemisphere and global temperature records being shattered one after another.

An analysis published by Berkley Earth in July found there to be a more than 80 per cent chance of 2023 being the hottest year on record.

The organisation, which analyses each month’s global temperatures and predicts extreme temperature records, had earlier in May set the chance of 2023 becoming the hottest at 54 per cent.

Since then, the Earth has recorded its hottest temperatures ever in July, ocean heatwaves have been off the charts and unprecedented heatwaves have been striking one region of the world after another.

Currently, the Mediterranean is in the middle of blistering heat and wildfires that could see temperatures soaring to the hottest ever recorded on the continent.

2023 is set to be hottest on record amid global heatwaves, scientists say

How long is the heatwave in Europe expected to last?

Tuesday 18 July 2023 21:45 , Matt Drake

Europe is set to continue to bake under extreme heat for weeks as global temperatures soar towards alarming highs with records expected to be broken.

Another anticyclone dubbed “Charon”, who in Greek mythology was the ferryman of the dead, advanced into the Mediterranean region from North Africa on Sunday and could soon lift temperatures well above 45C in parts of Italy, Spain and Greece.

The unrelenting heatwave has shown no sign of abating on Tuesday, with Italy bracing for its highest-ever temperature as Sardinia and Sicily have been forecast to reach 48C. Meanwhile, 20 out of the country’s 27 main cities have been issued with red warning alerts - signalling a possible health threat for anyone exposed to the heat - with the number expected to rise to 23 on Wednesday.

How long is the heatwave in Europe expected to last?

WMO tweets heat map of planet

Tuesday 18 July 2023 21:15 , Matt Drake

It comes as the northern hemisphere has been hit by simultaneous heatwaves

There have been prolonged daytime temperatures well above 40C with wildfires and people hospitalised from heatstroke.

The World Health Organisation has tweeted a heatmap of the planet, which also shows wind speeds, along with the hashtag “EarlyWarningsForAll”.

Swiss deploying soldiers to tackle fires

Tuesday 18 July 2023 20:45 , Matt Drake

The Swiss government said that starting on Wednesday, militia soldiers would be called upon to detect smouldering fires. The Swiss army had previously dispatched a helicopter to support firefighting efforts.

It comes after a forest fire intensified on Tuesday which forced more than 200 people to evacuate.

The situation could deteriorate further if winds grow stronger, said Adrienne Bellwald, spokesperson for the cantonal police.

Hottest temperatures in Europe recorded today

Tuesday 18 July 2023 20:15 , Matt Drake

The World Meteorological Organisation has tweeted a list of some of the extreme temperatures recorded today.

WMO Secretary-General Professor Petteri Taalas said: "The extreme weather – an increasingly frequent occurrence in our warming climate – is having a major impact on human health, ecosystems, economies, agriculture, energy and water supplies.

"This underlines the increasing urgency of cutting greenhouse gas emissions as quickly and as deeply as possible." Sicily/Italy

Licata, 46.3 °C

Riesi, 45.8 °C

Spain

Figueres (Catalonia), 45.3 °C

Porqueres (Catalonia), 44.3 °C

Granada (Andalucia), 43.3 °C

Met Office remembers Wales heat record set a year ago today

Tuesday 18 July 2023 19:45 , Matt Drake

The Met Office has tweeted on the anniversary of Wales' national temperature record.

On July 18, 2022, Wales recorded a temperature of 37.1C.

But today's temperature at Hawarden Airport was only 16.9C.

Switzerland is warming at more than twice the global average

Tuesday 18 July 2023 19:15 , Matt Drake

Switzerland is warming at more than twice the global average, partly due to its distance from the ocean which helps absorb extra heat.

Its Federal Office for the Environment has warned forest fires could become more frequent, especially in summer, due to an increase in hot, dry weather caused by climate change.

The current conflagration has already destroyed more than half the forest area that would have been burned by more than 100 smaller fires in a typical year, the same government department said in emailed comments to Reuters.

Europe heatwave: Is it safe to travel to Italy, Spain, Greece and Croatia?

Tuesday 18 July 2023 18:45 , Matt Drake

Travellers from the UK, US and elsewhere in the world may be looking with concern at planned trips to the Mediterranean.

As the busiest summer getaway since 2019 begins, travellers to southern Europe are likely to experience extreme heat. An area of high pressure appears to have settled over the Med with little sign of abating.

The deadly “Charon” heatwave (so named by Italian meteorologists) is gripping southern France, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Greece and Turkey, as well as smaller countries in the Mediterranean region.

With forecasters predicting the heatwave could last for up to two weeks, concerns are growing about the risks to health. As The Independent reported this week, 61,000 Europeans are believed to have died as a result of the extreme heat last summer.

For travellers contemplating their options, these are the key questions and answers.

Europe heatwave: Is it safe to travel to Italy, Spain, Greece and Croatia?

Pensioner dies from heatstroke in Cyrpus

Tuesday 18 July 2023 18:03 , Matt Drake

According to the Cyrpus Mail, a 90-year-old died on Sunday from a suspected heatstroke.

The pensioner was rushed to a hospital in Nicosia and another two elderly people are being monitored as well.

A state health spokesman said the man lived in a nursing home.

Greek Prime Minister rushes home amid wildfire

Tuesday 18 July 2023 17:38 , Matt Drake

A wildfire swept uncontrolled through forests northwest of Athens for a second day on Tuesday, forcing more residents to flee their homes and Greece’s prime minister to urgently return home from a summit in Brussels.Greece’s recently re-elected Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis cut short his trip to Brussels, where he had been attending an EU-Latin America summit, earlier on Tuesday.

More than 250 firefighters assisted by 75 fire engines, 11 aircraft and nine helicopters battled the fire.

Firefighters managed to contain other blazes southeast and west of the Greek capital, but the fronts were still active and were easily rekindled by strong winds.

Watch live: Smoke rises from intensifying wildfires north of Athens

Tuesday 18 July 2023 17:02 , Andy Gregory

Swathes of Europe on red alert for heat

Tuesday 18 July 2023 16:29 , Andy Gregory

The EU's emergency response coordination centre has issued red alerts for high temperatures for most of Italy, northeastern Spain, Croatia, Serbia, southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.

There are fears of a repeat of last year’s heat deaths, when an estimated 61,000 people may have died in in Europe alone.

“Temperatures in North America, Asia, and across North Africa and the Mediterranean will be above 40C for a prolonged number of days this week as the heatwave intensifies,” the World Meteorological Organisation said.

Overnight minimum temperatures were also expected to reach new highs, the UN weather agency said, creating the risk of increased cases of heart attacks and deaths.

“Whilst most of the attention focuses on daytime maximum temperatures, it is the overnight temperatures which have the biggest health risks, especially for vulnerable populations,” it said.

Rome temperature record shattered

Tuesday 18 July 2023 16:07 , Andy Gregory

Rome has endured a new record high temperature of 41.8C, the weather service of the local Lazio region reported.

The previous record of 40.7 C was set in June 2022. That temperature was overtaken in various parts of Rome on Tuesday, with a weather station in the eastern suburbs registering the new high.

Incredible satellite images reveal extent of heatwave across Europe

Tuesday 18 July 2023 16:00 , Andy Gregory

Satellite photos illustrating the exceptional heatwave in southern Europe have been released by the European Space Agency as global temperatures soar towards alarming highs with records expected to be broken.

One of the Copernicus Sentinel-3 satellite images captured on Sunday reveals a clear view of Greece without clouds, while another uses data from the mission’s radiometer instrument to show the land surface temperature across Europe and parts of northern Africa on the first day of the recent heatwaves.

My colleague Tara Cobham has the full report and images here:

Incredible satellite images reveal extent of heatwave across Europe

Catalonia heat record broken as temperatures surpass 45C

Tuesday 18 July 2023 15:32 , Andy Gregory

Catalonia’s heat record has been broken as temperatures soared above 45C close to the Spain-France border, provisional data suggests.

Data from the region’s public weather service showed the mercury hit 45.1C in Darnius on Tuesday – rising far higher than the measuring network’s previous record of 43.8C, set in Alcarràs during the June 2019 heatwave.

Prior to that, temperatures of 45C were measured manually in August 1987 and July 1982.

On Tuesday, more than 25 counties in Catolonia were under a red warning for extreme heat, Barcelona’s public broadcaster said.

Hundreds evacuated as Switzerland mountainside engulfed by wildfire

Tuesday 18 July 2023 15:16 , Andy Gregory

A wildfire in Switzerland has forced the evacuation of more than 200 people, with authorities warning that the blaze could take days or weeks to extinguish fully.

Some 150 firefighters, police, troops and other emergency teams, backed by helicopters, are battling with the wildfire which has engulfed a mountainside in the southwestern Wallis region, evacuating residents of four villages and hamlets in the area.

Mario Schaller, the official in charge of firefighting operations, said the fire has spread to 100 hectares of forest. Despite large amounts of smoke, the blaze began to die down on Tuesday, but could easily pick spread if winds pick up again, officials said.

“No one has been injured so far, no buildings have been damaged,” Mr Schaller said.

Simultaneous heatwaves have increased sixfold since 1980s, says UN advisor

Tuesday 18 July 2023 14:48 , Andy Gregory

There has been a sixfold increase in simultaneous heatwaves over the past four decades, according to the World Meteorological Society.

In a report on Monday, the United Nations’ weather agency said a committee of experts had verified the accuracy of the 48.8C European heat record set in August 2021 in Sicily – which forecasters expect could be surpassed in the coming days. The previous verified record of 48C was set in Athens in 1977.

“These are not your normal weather systems of the past. They have arrived as a consequence of climate change,” said John Nairn, senior extreme heat advisor for the WMO. “It is global warming, and it’s going to continue for some time.”

Mr Nairn noted a sixfold increase in simultaneous heat waves since the 1980s, “and the trend line isn’t changing.”

Heatwaves a ‘silent and invisible killer’, says expert

Tuesday 18 July 2023 14:28 , Andy Gregory

Heatwaves are a “silent and invisible killer” whose impact will not be truly known for several months, an expert has warned.

“Seven countries in Southern Europe currently have the most severe ‘red’ warning for heat, and in many of these locations the above average temperatures are expected to last well into August,” said Professor Liz Stephens, of the University of Reading.

“The jet stream is currently in a stationary position, which means that weather systems are kept in a holding pattern that makes heat build up in some regions of the world such as southern Europe, southern North America and Eastern China, while other parts of the world such as New York state and Japan suffer from persistent heavy rainfall.

“Current extreme sea surface temperatures in the Mediterranean Sea are fuelling the heat wave by keeping night-time temperatures at uncomfortable levels. This worsens the impacts on human health.

“Extreme fire danger is accompanying the heat wave as a result of dry vegetation and the high temperatures. As well as the direct risk to life, the resultant air pollution can exacerbate health impacts.

“There is strong evidence that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heat waves, though there is still a lot of debate around how climate change is affecting the stationary jet stream pattern. This kind of pattern was also linked to the European floods in 2021.

“Heatwaves are a silent and invisible killer. We don’t often see the impact that they have had on human health until the mortality statistics are published many months later.”

In pictures: Wildfires rage near Athens

Tuesday 18 July 2023 13:56 , Andy Gregory

With evacuation orders issued for at least six seaside communities affected by two wildfires near Athens yesterday, the Greek army, police special forces and volunteer rescuers freed retirees from their homes, rescued horses from a stable, and helped monks flee a monastery threatened by the flames.

Here are some recent images of the wildfires in Greece and elsewhere:

One killed and six hospitalised with heatstroke in Cyprus

Tuesday 18 July 2023 13:21 , Andy Gregory

A 90-year-old man died in Cyprus from heatstroke last weekend, while six other elderly people have been hospitalised, health authorities have said.

All seven suffered heatstroke at home last week as temperatures surpassed 43C.

‘It’s terrifying’: Spain braces for worst of heatwave

Tuesday 18 July 2023 12:50 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Residents are doing everything they can to try and keep cool – staying inside, staying hydrated and leaving dog walks until late so paws don’t get burnt. Graham Keeley reports from Madrid:

For Kinvara Vaughan, the prospect of record temperatures hitting the Mediterranean from Tuesday fills her with dread.

“I saw the headline: heat storm heading for Europe this week. It is terrifying. We are doing a spectacular job destroying the planet,” she says from her home in Marbella, southern Spain.

‘It’s terrifying’: Spain braces for worst of heatwave

2023 is set to be hottest on record amid global heatwaves, scientists say

Tuesday 18 July 2023 12:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

This year is set to be the hottest on record for Earth, scientists said, amid blistering heatwaves across the northern hemisphere and global temperature records being shattered one after another.

An analysis published by Berkley Earth in July found there to be a more than 80 per cent chance of 2023 being the hottest year on record.

The organisation, which analyses each month’s global temperatures and predicts extreme temperature records, had earlier in May set the chance of 2023 becoming the hottest at 54 per cent.

Since then, the Earth has recorded its hottest temperatures ever in July, ocean heatwaves have been off the charts and unprecedented heatwaves have been striking one region of the world after another.

2023 is set to be hottest on record amid global heatwaves, scientists say

How long is the heatwave in Europe expected to last?

Tuesday 18 July 2023 11:58 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Europe is set to continue to bake under extreme heat for weeks as global temperatures soar towards alarming highs with records expected to be broken.

Another anticyclone dubbed “Charon”, who in Greek mythology was the ferryman of the dead, advanced into the Mediterranean region from North Africa on Sunday and could soon lift temperatures well above 45C in parts of Italy, Spain and Greece.

The unrelenting heatwave has shown no sign of abating on Tuesday, with Italy bracing for its highest-ever temperature as Sardinia and Sicily have been forecast to reach 48C.

How long is the heatwave in Europe expected to last?

Swiss forest fire could spread if winds pick up, authorities warn

Tuesday 18 July 2023 11:40 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Swiss firefighters on Tuesday battled a forest fire that forced more than 200 people to evacuate and authorities warned the blaze could spread further if winds pick up and take days or weeks to extinguish fully.

Fire broke out on Monday on the forested flank of a mountain in Bitsch in the Valais canton near the Italian border. Helicopters hovered overhead throughout the night to drop water onto the blaze.

Mario Schaller, in charge of firefighting operations, said it could take days or weeks to fully put out the fire, which has spread to 100 hectares of forest.

“No one has been injured so far, no buildings have been damaged,” he said.

Although there were large amounts of smoke, the blaze began to die down on Tuesday, but could easily spread if winds pick up again, officials said.

“During the night, the goal was to contain the fire in the area where the villages had been evacuated,” said Adrienne Bellwald, spokesperson for the cantonal police.

“Thankfully the wind has subsided ... The situation is calm now, but it could change with the wind.”

The Federal Office for the Environment has warned forest fires could become more frequent, especially in summer, due to an increase in hot, dry weather caused by climate change.

The regional police department said an investigation had been opened to determine the cause of the fire.

Large areas of Europe, Asia and the United States are suffering extreme weather and the World Meteorological Organization warned the northern hemisphere heatwave is set to intensify this week.

Greece: Aircraft tackle blazes near Athens as record-breaking temperatures and wildfires continue

Tuesday 18 July 2023 11:25 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Wildfires raged outside Athens on Monday, 17 July, forcing thousands to flee seaside resorts after days of extreme heat.

Temperatures reached 40C in several areas across Greece over the weekend, and could do so again this week, with Tuesday expected to be the hottest day.

Footage shows a helicopter dropping water on fires as flames and thick smoke rise in night-time footage.

High winds have pushed flames through hillside scrub and pine forests parched by soaring temperatures.

Two major wildfires have edged closer to summer resort towns as gusts of wind hit 70 kph (45 mph), prompting evacuation orders for at least six seaside communities.

Greece: Aircraft tackle blazes as record-breaking temperatures and wildfires continue

Flames from raging wildfires in Spain’s La Palma captured by drone footage

Tuesday 18 July 2023 11:12 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Drone footage released by Canary Islands regional firefighters (EIRIF) showed the extent of a raging wildfire in Tijarafe, on the island of La Palma.

The forest fire that forced the evacuation of 4,000 people was being brought under control on Monday (17 July) as temperatures fell, but firefighters kept working on the active fronts and it was still far from being stabilised due to accessibility issues, authorities said.

Fires on La Palma started in the early hours of Saturday in El Pinar de Puntagorda, a wooded area in the north of the island, necessitating the evacuation of people from the villages of Puntagorda and neighbouring Tijarafe.

In Spain, temperatures could rise to as high as 44C in some regions and will not fall below 25C at night, increasing the probability of wildfires.

Flames from raging wildfires in Spain’s La Palma captured by drone footage

WMO warns of risk of heart attacks and deaths as heatwave intensifies

Tuesday 18 July 2023 10:52 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The heatwave engulfing the northern hemisphere is set to intensify this week, causing overnight temperatures to surge and leading to an increased risk of heart attacks and deaths, the World Meteorological Organization said on Tuesday.

“Temperatures in North America, Asia, and across North Africa and the Mediterranean will be above 40°C for a prolonged number of days this week as the heatwave intensifies,” the WMO said in a statement.

Overnight minimum temperatures were also set to reach new highs, according to the WMO, creating risks of increased cases of heart attacks and deaths.

“Whilst most of the attention focuses on daytime maximum temperatures, it is the overnight temperatures which have the biggest health risks, especially for vulnerable populations,” the WMO said.

Speaking to reporters in Geneva, a researcher specialised in the study of heatwaves said that the high temperatures Europe was experiencing currently were bound to increase.

“The Mediterranean heatwave is big but nothing like what’s been through North Africa,” said John Nairn, Senior Extreme Heat Advisor for WMO. “It’s developing into Europe at this stage.”

Live: Meteorological experts highlight health risks caused by high temperatures

Tuesday 18 July 2023 10:21 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Watch live as experts from World Meteorological Organisation speak to reporters during a UN briefing about extreme heat and the health impact of current high temperatures.

Live: Meteorological experts highlight health risks caused by high temperatures

Wildfire burns forests north of Athens

Tuesday 18 July 2023 10:17 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

A wildfire intensified overnight and swept along forests north of Athens for a second day on Tuesday, authorities said, as fire fighters managed to contain other blazes southeast and west of the Greek capital.

A blaze raged uncontrolled and burned forest in the area of Dervenochoria about 30 km north of Athens, a fire service official said on Tuesday. The fire threatened a pig farm, according to Greek media.

Another fire weakened on Tuesday, having first broke out on Monday in the village of Kouvaras, about 27 kilometres (17 miles) southeast of the Greek capital. Fanned by shifting winds, that fire had quickly spread to the coastal towns of Anavyssos, Lagonisi and Saronida, forcing people to flee their homes.

However, 230 firefighters assisted by 76 fire engines and five helicopters were still operating at different spots in the area, a Greek fire service official said on Tuesday.

“Civil protection forces gave an all-night fight,” Ioannis Artopoios, a Greek Fire Service spokesman, said in a televised briefing, adding that crews have been replaced to tame the fire on multiple fronts.

A mayor told Greek television that more than 7,000 acres of land was reduced to ashes along a coast, where many Athenians have holiday homes.

A thick layer of white smoke was visible from Athens as a third blaze burned near the seaside resort of Loutraki, about 80 km west of the capital.

The Greek meteorological service has warned of a high risk of fire this week, just as the country is recovering from the first major heatwave of the summer. A second heatwave is forecast for later this week.

Brits travelling to Europe given updated travel advice during extreme heat

Tuesday 18 July 2023 10:09 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Britons travelling to Europe have been told to sign up for emergency alerts as the country is gripped by “extreme heat” and wildfires.

The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Spain and Greece, with Britons warned of travel disruption as temperatures soar.

It comes after thousands were evacuated from at least six seaside communities near Athens after their homes were threatened by wildfires.

Much of Greece has been baking in near 40C conditions as a heatwave grips the continent, with temperatures in the southeast European country forecast to climb further later this week and into the weekend.

Brits travelling to Europe given updated travel advice during extreme heat

Europe heatwave: Is it safe to travel to Italy, Spain, Greece and Croatia?

Tuesday 18 July 2023 09:27 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Travellers from the UK, US and elsewhere in the world may be looking with concern at planned trips to the Mediterranean.

As the busiest summer getaway since 2019 begins, travellers to southern Europe are likely to experience extreme heat. An area of high pressure appears to have settled over the Med with little sign of abating.

The deadly “Cerberus” heatwave (so named by Italian meteorologists) is gripping southern France, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Greece and Turkey, as well as smaller countries in the Mediterranean region.

Europe heatwave: Is it safe to travel to Italy, Spain, Greece and Croatia?

Europe's sweltering summer could send tourists to cooler climes

Tuesday 18 July 2023 08:45 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Soaring summer temperatures across southern Europe could prompt a lasting shift in tourist habits, with more travellers choosing cooler destinations or taking their holidays in spring or autumn to dodge the extreme heat, tourism bodies and experts predict.

European Travel Commission (ETC) data shows the number of people hoping to travel to the Mediterranean region in June to November has already fallen 10% compared to last year, when scorching weather led to droughts and wildfires.

Destinations like the Czech Republic, Denmark, Ireland and Bulgaria have meanwhile seen a spike in interest.

“We anticipate that unpredictable weather conditions in the future will have a greater impact on travellers’ choices in Europe,” said Miguel Sanz, the head of the ETC.

A report by the trade body also shows 7.6% of travellers now see extreme weather events as a major concern for trips between June and November.

Among them are Anita Elshoy and her husband, who returned home to Norway from their favourite vacation spot of Vasanello, a village north of Rome, a week earlier than planned this month as temperatures reached around 35C.

“(I) got a lot of pain in the head, legs and (my) fingers swelled up and I became more and more dizzy,” Elshoy said of her heat-related symptoms. “We were supposed to be there for two weeks, but we couldn’t (stay) because of the heat.”

Italy braces for record-breaking heat as temperatures set to soar to 48C

Tuesday 18 July 2023 08:28 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Italy is bracing for its highest-ever temperature today as Sardinia and Sicily have been forecast to reach 48C by European Space Agency.

Twenty red warning alerts have been issued today out of 27 cities in Italy as the country bears another day of the unrelenting heatwave.

Meteorologists predict that temperatures this week may surpass Europe’s current record of 48.8 degrees Celsius (119.84 Fahrenheit), set in Sicily in August 2021, raising fears of a repetition of last year’s heat deaths.

Which holiday destinations will be hottest this week and how can you stay safe as temperatures soar?

Tuesday 18 July 2023 07:40 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The Cerberus heatwave has been causing the mercury to rise across southern Europe since last week, bringing temperatures of 40C and upwards in some parts of the continent.

With preliminary figures showing Earth’s average temperature set a new record high on 13 July for the third time in a week, this new spell of hot weather will continue to impact holidaymakers – particularly those heading for the Mediterranean countries of Spain, Italy and Greece – as well as locals.

The heatwave has been caused by a combination of unusually high surface temperatures at sea and an area of high pressure over the Mediterranean, with the addition of clouds of Saharan dust in some areas.

The hottest destinations in Europe this week – and how to stay safe

US-China start climate talks as both countries see temperatures soar to 50C this week

Tuesday 18 July 2023 07:18 , Stuti Mishra

US climate envoy John Kerry is in Beijing as both countries restart climate talks after a halt of a year amid blistering heatwaves affecting both regions and large parts of northern hemisphere.

Mr Kerry met the Chinese climate envoy yesterday and China’s top diplomat today assuring that president Joe Biden’s administration is “very committed” to stabilising relations between the world’s two biggest economies.

Mr Kerry told Wang Yi that Mr Biden hoped the two countries could “achieve efforts together that can make a significant difference to the world.”

Ties between the countries have hit a historic low amid disputes over tariffs, access to technology, human rights and China’s threats against self-governing Taiwan.

In his opening remarks, Mr Wang said the sides had suffered from a lack of communication, but that China believes through renewed dialogue “we can find a proper solution to any problems.”

Switzerland evacuates villages due to wildfire

Tuesday 18 July 2023 06:30 , Stuti Mishra

Switzerland ordered the evacuation of several mountain villages yesterday night as a forest fire spread, amid blistering heat reported across Europe.

About 200 firefighters, army, police and other partners worked alongside helicopters to douse the flames in the canton of Valais throughout the afternoon but it continued to burn.

"The fire is spreading towards Ried-Morel-Riederhorn," police said in a brief statement on Twitter at 6.30pm GMT, saying they would evacuate the Ried-Morel village, near the town of Brig, which is close to the Italian border. It later added that three other villages were to be evacuated and warned of rockfalls.

It was not immediately clear how many people were affected.

Air Zermatt, which operates four of the helicopters, said efforts to extinguish the fire would continue through the night.

Valais police posted pictures showing a helicopter dangling a water cannon above a forest fire in the afternoon. A later shot showed a much larger fire with smoke eclipsing most of the forest.

The area is affected by the same Mediterranean heatwave affecting southern Europe, with temperatures set to exceed 30C in parts of the Valais canton this week, forecasts show.

UK could see 40C heatwaves every three years, Met Office warns amid sweltering heatwaves in Europe

Tuesday 18 July 2023 05:55 , Stuti Mishra

Temperatures of 40C had never been recorded in the UK until 19 July last year, but they could be appearing as frequently as every three years by 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions are not curtailed, the Met Office has said.

Experts have also warned the UK is “dangerously unprepared” for the coming heat because most of its buildings were designed for a colder climate that is now disappearing.

Read more:

Heatwaves will become more frequent in UK without emissions cut, Met Office says

Deadly tickborne virus spreading in Europe due to prolonged heat

Tuesday 18 July 2023 05:00 , Stuti Mishra

A virus with a fatality rate of 30 per cent is spreading in Europe, an expert has warned, as the continent grapples with intense and prolonged heat due to the climate crisis.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), a disease caused by a tickborne virus, is categorised as one of the nine “priority diseases” deemed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to “pose the greatest public health risk due to their epidemic potential”.

The disease, with a fatality rate of approximately 30 per cent, already kills around 500 people each year and is endemic in Africa, the Balkans, the Middle East and Asian countries south of the geographical limit of the principal tick vector, which stretches as far north as Mongolia, the UN health agency states.

However, a virologist has warned that ticks carrying the virus were “moving up through Europe due to climate change, with longer and drier summers”.

Read this report from Andy Gregory for more:

Deadly tickborne virus that’s spreading in Europe ‘likely to reach UK’

Southern Europe weather forecast today

Tuesday 18 July 2023 04:07 , Stuti Mishra

Southern European countries grappling with intense heat could see the mercury soar even further starting today as forecasts show temperatures rising as high as 46C in some parts.

Italy, Spain and Greece are forecast to see temperatures above 40C in large parts as a second heatwave named Charon engulfs the region.

Sardinia and Sicily are expected to see temperatures above 45C or even as high as 48C, which, if it happens, could threaten the 48.8C record for Europe’s highest-ever temperature.

Weather maps show the heatwave intensifying in the middle of the week before a brief respite by the end of the week in some parts of Italy.

Here’s a country-wise breakdown and temperature forecast:

Holidaymakers evacuated in Greece wildfires amid heatwave in Europe

UK government plan to prepare for climate change 'deeply disappointing'

Monday 17 July 2023 22:30 , Matt Drake

Meanwhile, in the UK, leaked government plans for adapting the UK to the effects of climate change have been labelled as "deeply disappointing".

The latest National Adaptation Programme had been expected to be published on Tuesday, but was released on Monday following a leak to The Guardian newspaper.

The 140-page document offers a five-year plan that ministers said would boost resilience and help protect people, homes and businesses from heatwaves, droughts, floods and the other damaging impacts of climate change.

It also commits the Ministry of Justice to research the impact of climate on staff and prisoner behaviour, with pilots planned by 2027.

On the natural environment, Defra also pointed to plans for environmental land management schemes and local nature recovery strategies.

But the plan was criticised for failing to properly grapple with adaptation planning.

Green Party MP Caroline Lucas called it "deeply disappointing and really lacking in ambition".

WHO director-general warns that the Climate Crisis is 'not a warning'

Monday 17 July 2023 21:42 , Matt Drake

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organisation, wrote on Twitter: "In many parts of the world, today is predicted to be the hottest day on record.

“And these records have already been broken a few times this year. Heatwaves put our health and lives at risk.

"The #ClimateCrisis is not a warning. It’s happening. I urge world leaders to act now.”

It comes as many parts of Italy are poised to hit 45C on Tuesday.