Deutsche Welle
Get ready for ‘more intense heat waves,’ UN warns
The world needs to prepare for increasingly intense heat waves, the UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said Tuesday as much of the northern hemisphere sweats through soaring temperatures.
“These events will continue to grow in intensity, and the world needs to prepare for more intense heat waves,” said John Nairn, a senior extreme heat advisor at the WMO.
Asked about the connection between the current heat wave and climate change, he said, “These are not your normal weather systems of the past.”
The heat wave is set to intensify this week, causing overnight temperatures to surge. The temperatures could lead to an increased risk of heart attack and death, the WMO said in a statement.
“Whilst most of the attention focuses on daytime maximum temperatures, it is the overnight temperatures which have the biggest health risks, especially for vulnerable populations,” the WMO said.
https://p.dw.com/p/4U3UySkip next section Switzerland: Firefighters tackling large fire in Alps
2 hours ago2 hours ago
Switzerland: Firefighters tackling large fire in Alps
Swiss emergency services said around 150 firefighters have been battling a large fire in the Alps, which has forced more than 200 people to evacuate their homes.
The fire broke out in a forested area above the village of Bitsch in the Wallis region of southern Switzerland.
“A major intervention system was quickly put in place. It is still fighting the rapidly spreading fire,” Wallis police said in a statement.
Four small hamlets with 205 people were evacuated according to local broadcaster RTS. There have been no reports of injuries or damage to property.
Around 100 hectares of forest are thought to have been affected.
https://p.dw.com/p/4U34tSkip next section Siestas in Germany — doctors recommend mid-day break
2 hours ago2 hours ago
Siestas in Germany — doctors recommend mid-day break
A group of doctors in Germany has called for the introduction of a midday nap to help deal with rising temperatures which impacts productivity in the summer months.
Doctors from the Association of Physicians of German Public Health Departments (BVÖGD) believe the work day could be pushed to earlier in the morning to avoid a slowdown later in the day.
https://p.dw.com/p/4U2xVSkip next section Dry and windy conditions fan Greek wildfires near Athens
3 hours ago3 hours ago
Dry and windy conditions fan Greek wildfires near Athens
have forced the evacuation of thousands in seaside resorts, while also closing highways.
Strong winds have spurred on the fires that have been tearing through dry forested areas.
The army and police along with volunteer rescuers managed to free people sheltering in their homes, while firefighters attempted to extinguish the flames.
Fire Service spokesman Yiannis Artopios said the strong, changing winds and difficult terrain in which both fires broke out were slowing efforts
“The conditions are changing constantly and this has to be matched by our response. We have ordered multiple evacuations,” he said.
According to local officials, water-dropping planes and helicopters tackled the flames near Lagonisi, situated around 40 kilometers (25 miles) southeast of the capital.
A second large wildfire broke out in a wooded area near the resort town of Loutraki, some 90 kilometers (55 miles) west of Athens, where a children’s summer camp and rehabilitation center for seniors were evacuated.
https://p.dw.com/p/4U2sfSkip next section Warnings of extreme temperatures in southern Europe
3 hours ago3 hours ago
Warnings of extreme temperatures in southern Europe
Predictions of record temperatures in parts of southern Europe as a heat wave continues scorching the continent prompted health authorities to issue warnings for people to remain hydrated and take shelter from the sun.
The Italian islands of Sicily and Sardinia are bracing for extremely high temperatures with predictions of the mercury reaching 48 degrees Celsius (118 degrees Fahrenheit), according to the European Space Agency.
Meanwhile, in Greece, which has forced residents from their homes. A blaze began in the village of Kouvaras, situated around 27 kilometers (17 miles) from the capital city.
This has been no let-up for where temperatures of 44.7 degrees Celcius were reported.
“The extreme weather … is having ecosystems, economies, agriculture, energy and water supplies,” said World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Secretary-General Petteri Taalas.
kb/sms (AFP, Reuters)
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