Southern Europe Reaches 46 Degrees, Eastern US Nears 40 Degrees
Italy Bans Outdoor Labor in Some Regions
France Limits Some Schools to Morning Classes Only
Heatwave Warnings Issued for 160 Million in the US
The world is suffering from a deadly heatwave that began in June. As temperatures in Southern Europe, including Spain and Italy, have soared close to 40 degrees Celsius, countries have entered a state of emergency. Italy has banned outdoor labor in certain regions, and France has recommended the temporary closure of schools exposed to danger as needed.
According to The Guardian on June 28 (local time), most areas of Southern Europe, including Spain, Italy, and Greece, are suffering from heatwaves exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, with some regions reaching as high as 42 to 43 degrees. In response, Sicily in Italy has issued a ban on outdoor labor during the daytime, and northern regions such as Liguria have also announced similar measures.
On June 29, the French Ministry of Education issued heatwave prevention guidelines, urging special attention to the health of students and staff. The ministry also recommended that local governments temporarily close schools exposed to danger as needed. Before the ministry's announcement, the city of Tours had already decided on its own to hold only morning classes on June 30 and July 1.
According to AFP, on June 28, temperatures in Andalusia, southern Spain, soared to a high of 46 degrees Celsius. The Spanish meteorological agency issued a heatwave warning, cautioning that the extreme heat could continue not only during the day but also at night, and advised vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses to take special care.
In Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, the maximum temperature on June 29 is expected to reach 42 degrees Celsius. Portugal has issued heatwave and wildfire risk warnings for two-thirds of its territory. Near Athens, Greece, where temperatures also rose to 40 degrees, a large wildfire broke out. As a result, authorities issued evacuation orders for nearby areas and closed parts of the coastal road leading to the famous Poseidon Temple.
Young girls are sitting by the water's edge cooling off from the heat at a pond in Boston, USA. Photo by EPA
The United States has also been hit by a June heatwave. About ten days ago, a heat dome phenomenon triggered widespread heatwave warnings from the Midwest to the East Coast. The number of people affected by the heatwave warnings reached 160 million. As of June 24, daytime highs exceeded 37 degrees Celsius in New York and Boston on the East Coast, and reached nearly 40 degrees in other major eastern cities such as Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia.
Experts believe this heatwave is not a one-time event. According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), the European Union's climate monitoring agency, March of this year was the hottest March in European history. Due to global warming, extreme weather events such as heatwaves, floods, and droughts are occurring more frequently. Last year was the hottest year ever recorded, and global damages are estimated at $300 billion (about 409 trillion won).
Meanwhile, when a heat advisory or warning is issued, it is safest to avoid outdoor activities from noon to 5 p.m., the hottest part of the day. If going outside is unavoidable, it is recommended to wear a wide-brimmed hat, a parasol, or arm sleeves to block sunlight, and to dress in light, well-ventilated clothing. If you experience symptoms such as muscle cramps or dizziness while outdoors, you should immediately rest in a cool place. Special care should be taken to prevent heat-related illnesses, especially for infants, young children, the elderly, and pregnant women.
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