Heat warnings have been issued for 15 cities in Italy, most of them in the center and south of the country, pointing to a higher risk for the elderly and other vulnerable groups
Post Date – 06:40 AM, Sun – July 23rd 16th
Rome: Sweltering temperatures across Europe forced the closure of the Acropolis for a second day in a row, with officials warning Saturday of even hotter weather next week, with temperatures expected to hit 40C (104F) in several popular Mediterranean tourist destinations.
The elderly, young children and dogs are most at risk, experts said, urging precautions against a heat wave from the high-pressure anticyclone Cerberus, named after the three-headed dog that guarded gates in ancient Greek mythology, from the south . to the underworld.
Fifteen municipalities in Italy, mostly in the center and south of the country, have been issued heat warnings, indicating that the elderly and other vulnerable groups are at high risk.
Temperatures remained around 30 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit) across much of the Italian peninsula on Saturday, but temperatures in Sardinia, Sicily and Puglia were expected to reach between 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) and 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Celsius). degrees Celsius).
The cities under alert include popular tourist destinations such as Bologna, Florence and Rome. Temperatures in the capital hit a maximum of 35C (95F) on Saturday and a high of 42C (107.6F) is expected on Tuesday.
In the Greek capital, where temperatures were expected to reach 41 degrees Celsius (105.8 degrees Fahrenheit), officials decided to keep the sun-bathing Acropolis monument closed from noon to 5.30 pm as they did on Friday.
Temperatures were milder in Spain’s Canary Islands, but a wildfire on the island of La Palma led to the precautionary evacuation of around 500 people. Officials warned that a shift in wind direction and dry terrain in the area, parched by rain, could increase the number of evacuations.
In Turkey, coastal cities in the south and southwest reached temperatures in the high 30s (about 97-102 degrees Fahrenheit) and high 40s (104-109 degrees Fahrenheit). Tourist hotspot Antalya recorded a maximum temperature of 44 degrees Celsius (111.2 degrees Fahrenheit).
In the northwestern cities of Edirne, Koklareli and Tekirdag, 48 people with symptoms of heatstroke were taken to emergency rooms in the past two days, state-run Anadolu news agency reported.
The heatwave also affected water levels in Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city. Levent Kurnaz of Bosphorus University’s Climate Change and Policy Research Center told local media that Omerli Dam’s reservoir was already at 41 percent of its primary capacity due to low rainfall, 17,000 tons of water are lost per hour in the early afternoon.
European countries also saw muggy weather on Saturday. Polish authorities specifically warned older people to stay indoors or in the shade and stay hydrated when temperatures hit 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit).
In central Warsaw and other cities, temporary hose fountains have been placed to cool people and their pets. Police warn against leaving children or pets unattended in vehicles.
To cool off their four-legged friends, some Italian dog owners are taking their pets to a beach near Rome specially equipped for dogs. The area, known in English as “Baubeach” or Woofbeach, accommodates up to 150 dogs a day. They are allowed to roam freely on the beach.
“As you can feel the ocean breeze is very pleasant, it oxygenates and also gives an almost natural misting feel. It’s pleasant for people and dogs out there,” says Baubeach The owner Patrizia Daffina said.
Carlo Serre took his dog there on Friday. “He’s been really active all day here,” he said. “Actually, when he gets home, he’ll have a good night’s sleep. I think he’s at least not affected by the heat here.”
