Temperatures Soar to 47°C as Charon Heatwave Hits Europe
A severe heatwave continues to impact southern Europe, with Italy issuing red weather alerts for 16 cities as temperatures are forecast to rise to life-threatening levels. This second wave of intense heat, known as Charon, is expected to bring scorching temperatures to Italy, Greece, Spain, and beyond.
In Italy, the island of Sardinia is bracing for temperatures reaching as high as 47°C, while Rome is forecast to experience 43°C heat. Health ministry officials have issued red alerts, which signal extreme heat that poses a risk to the entire population, not just vulnerable groups. A tragic incident in Italy saw a 44-year-old municipal worker in Lodi collapse and die from the extreme heat while performing outdoor work on Tuesday.
The heat has also caused disruptions in Greece, where the Acropolis in Athens was temporarily closed on Friday after temperatures soared above 40°C. Tourists were evacuated from the site as some fainted, with paramedics on hand to provide aid. The heat was made worse by the lack of shade on the famous hill, forcing authorities to close the area during the hottest part of the day. Temperatures in Spain’s southern regions reached a staggering 60°C on the ground, with the European Space Agency warning that the heat could bring record-breaking highs across Europe, potentially reaching 48°C in Sicily and Sardinia.
The heatwave is causing major distress across the continent, with officials urging people to stay indoors during peak heat hours to avoid tragic outcomes. Despite the severe temperatures in southern Europe, the UK is expected to remain cooler, with rain forecast for much of Scotland over the weekend.
