Heatwave hits Europe: Southern and Eastern countries face extreme temperatures and alerts for climate emergencies

This week, Southern and Eastern Europe are facing an exceptional heatwave that has led national meteorological services to issue warnings and advisories for extremely high temperatures, as well as alerts for storms, floods, and gales in some areas. Countries such as Poland, Ukraine, Greece, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Italy are being hit by this climatic phenomenon that is testing the resilience of their residents and emergency systems. In Poland, the Meteorological Institute has advised the population not to leave their homes unless strictly necessary due to the forecast of storms and temperatures exceeding 34 degrees. An alarm has been declared in five out of the country's 16 provinces due to the combination of high temperatures and the possibility of thunderstorms, floods, and strong winds reaching up to 90 kilometers per hour. In Ukraine, temperatures have surpassed 35 degrees and are expected to reach 40 in the coming days, adding to the scheduled power outages by authorities to address the energy deficit caused by attacks on their electrical system. This situation leaves many citizens unable to use air conditioning during intense heat. In Greece, which already experienced a record-breaking June in terms of temperatures, values exceeding 40 degrees are being recorded, increasing the risk of wildfires due to strong winds in various cities. A similar scenario is unfolding in North Macedonia, where fires have led the government to request assistance from neighboring countries to address the emergency. Bulgaria, on the other hand, has extended the "red code" alert in four regions due to the heatwave that has caused numerous forest fires. In Italy, the situation is no less serious, with high temperatures triggering the activation of red alerts in several cities, including Rome, where three deaths have been reported as a result of the extreme heat. In Spain, the Meteorological Agency has warned of a "very high temperatures" episode with maximums that could reach 42-44 degrees in large areas of the country in the coming days. This situation alerts authorities and the population, who must take measures to cope with high temperatures and prevent potential health and safety risks. Faced with this unprecedented heatwave in various regions of Europe, it is essential that preventive measures are taken and emergency response systems are reinforced to protect the population and reduce negative impacts on the environment and infrastructure. Regional cooperation and solidarity among countries will be key to addressing this climate crisis and mitigating its short and long-term effects.