Heat chaos on vacation: 40 degrees in Greece and drought in Italy!

Heat chaos on vacation: 40 degrees in Greece and drought in Italy!

In the past few days, worrying temperatures have been reported in Europe, which make travelers in vacation regions such as Greece, Italy and France with great challenges. The Federal Foreign Office has given a warning about the risk of heat, especially for the Mediterranean. In Greece, temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius are possible, with the Greek islands particularly affected. Holidaymakers are urgently advised to observe current weather reports and avoid overcrowded places and direct sunlight in order to avoid health risks. These warnings are in the context of a general heat wave that is haunted by southern and Western Europe.

in Italy suffered mainly central and southern Italy, including Sardinia, from a lack of water that has been going on for several weeks. In these regions, the middle warning level for drought was proclaimed. In addition, parts of southern France have to struggle with drought, which significantly increases the risk of forest fires. Before you leave, travelers should find out more about the current conditions in the respective travel countries in order to avoid possible dangers.

global dimension of the heat waves

The current situation in Europe is part of a greater global challenge. In the past few weeks, heat records have been reported in the northern hemisphere: Examples are temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius in North America and even over 50 degrees Celsius in northwestern China. In southern Europe, peak values ​​of up to 46 degrees in Italy and 45 degrees were recorded in Spain, while the temperatures in France reached 40 degrees. These extreme heat waves often last several days and are not only a risk to the population, but also for infrastructure and nature.

A trending trend is also evident in Germany's weather history and other European countries. In 2022, the sunnight and warmest year since the beginning of the weather records was noted, with an average temperature that was 2.3 degrees above the comparison period 1961-1990. Since 1881, the temperature in Germany has increased by 1.7 degrees, which is above the global average. These developments also had significant consequences: in 2022, 2,397 forest fires were registered in Germany, and the heat waves led to an estimated deprivation of 4,500 people in the country and at least 15,000 in Europe.

measures against the current situation

In view of the alarming climate data and the resulting drought emergency stands in Italy, France and Germany, the federal government has taken measures. A national heat protection plan was proposed to better protect groups such as older people, pregnant women and people with previous illnesses. In addition, a national water strategy was adopted in March 2023 that aims to improve water management and to be better prepared for such extreme events in the future.

The effects of the heat waves and drought events are complex and require a dealt with the national and international level. Climate change has a variety of consequences, and forecasts predict further warming by the end of the 21st century, which could be between 1.0 and 5.7 degrees. This applies in particular to regions that have least contributed to climate change, and includes the continuing weather extremes in the coming year with the appearance of El Niño, which is considered a possible amplifier of such disasters.

For Europeans who are planning travel in the coming months, it is therefore important to not only keep an eye on their own comfort, but also the climatic conditions that can significantly impair their vacation.

derwesten.de reports that the temperatures in Europe, especially in the Mediterranean area, are increasing and above all vacationers in affected countries are asked for caution. Further information on the global heat waves and their effects can be found on bpb.de