Thai Times

Covering the Thai Renaissance
Sunday, Aug 24, 2025

Southern Europe Experiences Extreme Heat

Southern Europe is currently enduring an intense heatwave, with temperatures surpassing 40°C in several countries. In Spain, the national weather service, AEMET, has issued warnings for regions including Andalusia, Catalonia, and the Ebro Valley, where temperatures have reached up to 45°C. The Guadalquivir Valley is experiencing some of the highest temperatures, testing the resilience of local infrastructure and populations.

Italy has placed multiple cities under severe heat warnings as temperatures soar. Rome and other major cities have recorded highs nearing 40°C, prompting health advisories and emergency measures to protect vulnerable populations.

In Greece, the first heatwave of the season has led to temperatures exceeding 40°C. Authorities have responded to wildfires south of Athens by issuing evacuation orders and closing sections of the coastal road connecting the capital to Sounion, a significant tourist destination.

France is also grappling with extreme heat, with Paris experiencing temperatures around 40°C. The French government has issued health warnings, particularly for the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, as the heatwave intensifies across the country.

United Kingdom Issues Heat-Health Alerts

The United Kingdom is facing its second heatwave in just over a week, with temperatures expected to reach up to 34°C in parts of southern and eastern England. The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber heat-health alerts covering regions including London, the East Midlands, South East, South West, and East of England. These alerts are in effect through Tuesday evening, warning of significant impacts on health and social care services.

Researchers estimate that the current heatwave could result in nearly 600 premature deaths in England and Wales, predominantly among individuals over 65. The UK has experienced over 10,000 early deaths from heatwaves between 2020 and 2024, highlighting the growing mortality risk linked to climate change.

Climate Change and Increasing Heatwave Frequency

Scientific studies indicate that climate change is contributing to the increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves across Europe. The current heatwave conditions are occurring earlier in the season, with summer-like temperatures starting in June and extending into September. This shift poses heightened health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations who are less acclimatized to extreme heat early in the summer.

The phenomenon known as quasi-resonant amplification in the jet stream is causing atmospheric systems to stagnate, leading to prolonged periods of extreme heat. Such events have tripled in frequency since the 1950s, and current climate models suggest that these patterns will continue to intensify as global temperatures rise.

Infrastructure and Preparedness Challenges

The escalating heatwaves are straining infrastructure across Europe. In the UK, a report by the Green Building Council warns that schools, care homes, offices, and homes are ill-prepared for the impacts of global heating. Modern buildings with large glass surfaces and lightweight materials are particularly susceptible to overheating, posing health risks and reducing productivity.

Wildfires have become a significant concern, with Greece experiencing early-season fires that have prompted evacuations. The increased risk of wildfires is linked to the prolonged periods of high temperatures and dry conditions exacerbated by climate change.

Health Implications and Public Awareness

The health implications of the ongoing heatwaves are profound. High temperatures can lead to dehydration, heatstroke, and exacerbate existing health conditions. Public health agencies are urging individuals to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activities during peak heat hours, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Despite the serious risks, public perception often underestimates the dangers of heatwaves. Media coverage frequently portrays heatwaves with images of leisure and enjoyment, which can downplay the severity of the situation and hinder public awareness and preparedness.

Global Context and Future Outlook

The current heatwaves in Europe are part of a broader global trend of increasing extreme weather events linked to climate change. Scientists emphasize the need for comprehensive climate action and improved public health preparedness to mitigate the impacts of future heatwaves. Without significant reductions in carbon emissions, heatwaves are expected to become more frequent, intense, and deadly, posing substantial challenges to public health and infrastructure resilience.

Newsletter

Related Articles

Bank of Thailand Clarifies Daily Transfer Cap Applies Only to High-Risk Consumers
0:00
0:00
Open
Bank of Thailand Clarifies Daily Transfer Cap Applies Only to High-Risk Consumers
0:00
0:00
Close
Bank of Thailand Clarifies Daily Transfer Cap Applies Only to High-Risk Consumers
Thailand’s Plant-Based Food Market Reaches Forty-Five Billion Baht, Eyes Global Growth
PTT OR Reassesses Cambodia Operations Amid Rising Border Tensions
Thai Tourism Giants Defy Slowdown with Strong Profits
Thailand's Land Bridge Project Secures Approval for Strategic Logistics Corridor
Asia Moves Fast on Stablecoin Policy as U.S. Enacts First Federal Framework
Thailand Women's Volleyball Team Targets World Championship Round of Sixteen
A monster hit and a billion-dollar toy empire
Turning Up the Volume: Kim’s Powerful Sister Opposes Talks with the South and the U.S.
Far-Right Activist Convicted of Incitement Changes Gender and Demands: "Send Me to a Women’s Prison" | The Storm in Germany
Child-free hotels spark controversy
North Korea is where this 95-year-old wants to die. South Korea won’t let him go. Is this our ally or a human rights enemy?
Thailand Plans ‘Econopolis’ Upgrade for Industrial Estates to Revive Investment
Hong Kong Launches Regulatory Regime and Trials for HKD-Backed Stablecoins
Three-Minute Battery Swap Touted as Future of EVs
Beijing Military Parade to Showcase Weapons Advances
U.S. Tech Stocks Slide on AI Boom Concerns
Central Group to Open New Bangkok Mall Despite Sluggish Spending
Dusit Hotel Group Reports Strong Demand for Luxury Bangkok Condo
Banpu Positions for Growth in LNG Following U.S. Energy Deals
Myanmar Cybersecurity Law Takes Effect
Vietnam Smart City Backed by Japan’s Sumitomo Advances
China rehearses September 3 Victory Day parade as imagery points to ‘loyal wingman’ FH-97 family presence
Horror in the Skies: Plane Engine Exploded, Passengers Sent Farewell Messages
AI in Policing: Draft One Helps Speed Up Reports but Raises Legal and Ethical Concerns
Shame in Norway: Crown Princess’s Son Accused of Four Rapes
Apple Begins Simultaneous iPhone 17 Production in India and China
A Robot to Give Birth: The Chinese Announcement That Shakes the World
Class Action Lawsuit Against Volkswagen: Steering Wheel Switches Cause Accidents
United States Leads 2025 Global Wealth Rankings, Thailand Places 31st
Thailand Universities Expand Global Reach
Thai Authorities Probe Alleged Overpricing at Michelin-Starred Raan Jay Fai
Thailand Sees Surge in Film-Induced Tourism as Blockbuster Productions Roll In
AI Becomes Ubiquitous in Thailand’s Digital Lives, But Workplace Use Lags
Dogfights in the Skies: Airbus on Track to Overtake Boeing and Claim Aviation Supremacy
Tim Cook Promises an AI Revolution at Apple: "One of the Most Significant Technologies of Our Generation"
Apple Expands Social Media Presence in China With RedNote Account Ahead of iPhone 17 Launch
Are AI Data Centres the Infrastructure of the Future or the Next Crisis?
Miles Worth Billions: How Airlines Generate Huge Profits
Cambridge Dictionary Adds 'Skibidi,' 'Delulu,' and 'Tradwife' Amid Surge of Online Slang
Zelenskyy Returns to White House Flanked by European Allies as Trump Pressures Land-Swap Deal with Putin
"Every Centimeter of Your Body Is a Masterpiece": The Shocking Meta Document Revealed
BOI and SET Join Forces to Attract High-Tech Companies to Thai Stock Market
Thailand Opens Largest Urban Rooftop Garden in Bangkok’s Silom District
Thailand Moves to File Lawsuits Against Cambodian Leaders Over Border Conflict
Thai Army Deploys Mental Health Teams After Border Clashes
Character.ai Bets on Future of AI Companionship
China Ramps Up Tax Crackdown on Overseas Investments
Japanese Office Furniture Maker Expands into Bomb Shelter Market
Intel Shares Surge on Possible U.S. Government Investment
×