Extreme temperatures hit south-eastern Europe.
Vacationers craving sunshine are stirring up some excitement in Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey, but it's not just tourists feeling the heat. Temperatures in Southeastern Europe are hitting unexpectedly high numbers sooner than usual: In three areas of Greece, temps reached a scorching 39 degrees on Tuesday, a value never before recorded this early in June, the Greek Meteorological Service revealed.
The Cyprus Meteorological Department issued a "High Heat Warning": The island's temperatures were predicted to skyrocket to a possible 44 degrees on Tuesday and even hotter in the days to follow. They urged, "Pay attention to your health, especially if you're elderly or have young kids. Follow the advice of the authorities." Medical experts recommend shying away from strenuous outdoor activities during daylight hours, staying hydrated by drinking lots of water, and donning light, airy, and light-colored clothing.
Turkey was also affected by the heat wave, with temperatures soaring over 30 degrees. The Meteorological Service confirmed that temperatures are 8 to 12 degrees more than normal for this time of year. Meteorologist Orhan Şen told CNN Turk that the present temperatures could be a sign of extreme heat waves coming in the summer months of July and August.
Amidst the ongoing heat and drought in the region, concerns about forest fires are on the rise - particularly in Greece, where a significant portion of the land was engulfed in flames last year. By May's beginning this year, 3543 small and medium-sized forest fires were already recorded, a 22% hike from the number registered in the previous year, as reported by the Greek Fire Department. One of the reasons is the extremely dry winter which has led to drought in various parts of the nation, making fires either intentionally lit or accidentally sparked a breeze. #heatwave #drought
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The extreme heat waves predicted by Turkish meteorologist Orhan Şen could potentially lead to record-breaking temperatures in July and August, similar to the 39-degree value recorded in Greece this June. Despite the high degrees, obtaining a degree in meteorology could provide valuable insights into predicting and mitigating such extreme climate phenomena until more sustainable temperature levels are achieved across Southeast Europe.
