A scorching heatwave across Europe has forced the closure of the Acropolis in Athens for a second day, with officials warning of even hotter temperatures ahead. The high-pressure anticyclone named Cerberus, after the three-headed dog in ancient Greek mythology, is causing temperatures to soar across the Mediterranean region. In Italy, 15 cities have been put under heat advisories, with temperatures expected to reach between 38 and 40 degrees in popular tourist destinations like Sardinia, Sicily, and Puglia. The heat is particularly worrying for vulnerable people, including the elderly, infants, and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
The heatwave has already led to the closure of the Acropolis in Athens, with temperatures expected to reach 41 degrees. Similarly, in Turkey, coastal cities in the south and southwest have reached high temperatures, with Antalya seeing a high of 44 degrees. The heat is also taking its toll on water levels in Istanbul, with the main water supply at the Omerli Dam reservoir losing 15,422 tonnes of water an hour due to low rainfall.
In European cities, people are seeking relief from the heat in various ways. In Italy, swimmers are flocking to the sea and pools, while in Greece, people are splashing around in fountains and seeking shade. In Turkey, Istanbulis are struggling with the lack of fresh water, with the city’s main water supply at 41 per cent capacity due to low rainfall.
European cities Summer
As the heatwave intensifies, authorities are urging people to take precautions to stay cool and hydrated. In Poland, older adults have been warned to stay indoors and avoid strenuous activities, while in Italy, people have been advised to drink plenty of water and avoid heat exposure. In Poland, authorities have also set up makeshift hose fountains for people to cool off, while in Germany, an onshore wind farm has caught fire due to the dry conditions.
In some areas, people are even abandoning their cars and seeking shade, as the heat makes the air almost unbearable. In Greece, some dog owners are taking their pets to a special beach for canines, where they can swim and cool off in the sea. The beach, known as Woofbeach, allows up to 150 dogs per day to roam free on the beach.
As the heatwave continues to spread across Europe, authorities are scrambling to prepare for the worst. With temperatures forecast to reach 40 degrees in several popular tourist destinations, the heatwave is expected to take a toll on the region’s infrastructure and economy.
