Scorching temperatures in US, Japan, Europe trigger global warming red alert
PTC News Desk: As global warming continues to escalate, the world is witnessing a series of unprecedented heatwaves that span from the United States to Japan and Europe. The National Weather Service has issued a grave warning, highlighting the dangerous conditions expected over the weekend. Daytime temperatures in the US West are predicted to be consistently 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit above normal.
Arizona, one of the states hardest hit by the scorching temperatures, is experiencing a daily endurance test against the relentless sun. Phoenix, the state capital, has endured a staggering 16 consecutive days with temperatures surpassing 109°F (43°C). On Saturday, temperatures climbed to 111°F, and forecasts anticipate a peak of 115°F.
California's Death Valley, known as one of the hottest places on Earth, is also poised to set new records, with temperatures potentially reaching 130°F (54°C). Even during the night, lows are expected to remain above 38°C. Authorities have urged residents to refrain from outdoor activities during the day and remain hydrated to avoid dehydration.
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Texas and California are battling wildfires, including a significant blaze in Riverside County that has already consumed over 3,000 acres (1,214 hectares) and prompted evacuation orders. Meanwhile, Canada has witnessed a record-breaking wildfire season, with 10 million hectares already burned, and experts predict more devastation in the coming months.
Italy is bracing for historically high temperatures over the weekend. The health ministry has issued a red alert for 16 cities, including Rome, Bologna, and Florence. The weather center warns Italians to prepare for "the most intense heatwave of the summer and also one of the most intense of all time." Rome is expected to reach 40°C (104°F) by Monday and potentially soar to 43°C (109°F) on Tuesday, surpassing the previous record of 40.5°C set in 2007. The European Space Agency has cautioned that the islands of Sicily and Sardinia could experience temperatures as high as 48°C, potentially setting the hottest temperatures ever recorded in Europe.
Greece is also grappling with scorching temperatures, leading to the closure of the Athens Acropolis during the hottest hours for the third consecutive day. France, which experienced the second-hottest June on record, faces drought and its farming industry suffers from the severe conditions. Spain's meteorological agency warns of another heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), expected to hit the Canary Islands and the southern Andalusia region.
Eastern Japan anticipates temperatures of 38 to 39°C (100-102°F) on Sunday and Monday, potentially breaking previous records. In India, relentless monsoon rains following a period of intense heat have caused widespread devastation, with at least 90 reported deaths and the Yamuna river reaching record levels in New Delhi. Climate change is considered a contributing factor to the increased frequency and severity of flooding and landslides during the monsoon season.
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Morocco is facing above-average temperatures, with some provinces expecting highs of 47°C (116.6°F) during a period more typical of August than July. Water shortages are a concern in the country. Jordan, already water-scarce, had to deploy 214 tonnes of water to extinguish a wildfire in the Ajloun forest amid the ongoing heatwave. In Iraq, where blistering summers are the norm, diminishing river levels are impacting daily life, as evident in the shrinking Tigris river.
While it can be challenging to directly attribute specific weather events to climate change, scientists emphasize that global warming, linked to the continued reliance on fossil fuels, is amplifying the frequency and intensity of heatwaves worldwide. Recent data from the EU's climate monitoring service revealed that June 2023 was the hottest June on record. Urgent action is needed to mitigate the effects of global warming and curb further environmental deterioration caused by rising temperatures.
- With inputs from agencies
