Greece closed the Acropolis for five hours due to extreme heat, distributing water and information to tourists.
In Italy, two firefighters died fighting a blaze in Basilicata, and 13 cities, including Palermo, are under severe heat warnings.
Other countries, including Albania, North Macedonia, and Turkey, are battling wildfires and heat-related disruptions.
Key quote:
Of touring the Acropolis, tourist Tony Dunlap said “we got it done and got out quick, and now we’re going to some air conditions and some more libation and enjoy the day.”
— Toby Dunlap, tourist from Pennsylvania
Why this matters:
Extreme heat waves and wildfires highlight the urgent need for climate resilience and preparedness measures in southern Europe. The impact on daily life and safety in these regions underscores the broader implications of climate change.
Europe is ill prepared for extreme heat fed by global warming. For the first time on record, parts of Britain hit 40 degrees Celsius — 104 Fahrenheit — as did Paris for only the third time.
