Extreme Heat Waves Trigger Record Temperatures and Emergencies Across Europe and Asia

Extreme heat waves are causing record breaking temperatures and emergency conditions across multiple continents. In South Korea, the city of Yangsan recorded a temperature of 41.4 degrees Celsius on Friday, marking the highest temperature since local weather observation began in 2008. This follows two consecutive days of temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in the same area.

Across Europe, temperatures are expected to reach or exceed 41 degrees Celsius in parts of Central and Eastern Europe. In Italy, 23 cities are under red alert for heat waves, with temperatures of 40 to 41 degrees Celsius forecast for cities including Florence, Modena, and Terni. The heat has led to severe environmental impacts in Italy, where the Po river in Cremona reached a historic low, dropping to 8.59 meters below the hydrometric zero.

In Greece, two large forest fires have forced evacuations, including the rescue of hundreds of people by boat near Agios Vasilios. Other European nations are implementing emergency measures to cope with the heat. In Hungary, the government has banned open fires and mobilized the army to deliver drinking water to the town of Szentendre. Slovenia has warned of extremely high forest fire risks and reduced train speeds to prevent rail deformation. In the Czech Republic, the Prague Zoo has provided tons of ice to polar bears to protect them from temperatures that could reach 40 degrees Celsius.