A red alert has been issued for Croatia as temperatures soar to 37 degrees Celsius amid a sizzling heatwave affecting central and southern Europe. The National Hydrometeorological Institute reports the issuance of Croatia’s highest-level weather alert due to exceptionally high temperatures. The Croatian Red Cross warns of heat stroke symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, discomfort, and loss of consciousness. Water temperatures in some areas have reached 28 degrees Celsius, posing a risk to residents and tourists in the Mediterranean country.
Authorities across Europe have urged caution, with warnings to drink plenty of water, avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day, and drive carefully if traveling. Italian authorities declared a red weather alert in seven cities, including Rome, as temperatures reached 38 °C (100 °F). Rome’s municipal authorities released a digital app to help people find public drinking fountains amid the heatwave. Tourists like Dennis Mix from the United States have been impacted by the scorching temperatures, opting to stay indoors to avoid heat-related illnesses.
Last month, countries in the region experienced power outages and storm damage due to extreme weather conditions. An overload and collapse of a regional distribution line led to a major power outage in Montenegro, Bosnia, Croatia, and Albania during a previous heat wave. A powerful storm caused by the heatwave killed two people, damaged houses, uprooted trees, and flooded streets. Experts attribute these wild weather swings to human-induced climate change, creating increasingly unpredictable storms and heatwaves across the region.
Overall, the current heatwave is causing temperatures to soar to dangerous levels across central and southern Europe, with Croatia under a red alert. The Mediterranean country is experiencing a high risk of heat stroke, with symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. Authorities are advising residents and tourists to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses, including staying hydrated and avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours.
In response to the extreme weather conditions, Italian authorities have issued a red weather alert in multiple cities, including Rome, where temperatures have reached 38 °C (100 °F). The municipal authorities in Rome have introduced a digital app to help people locate public drinking fountains to stay hydrated in the scorching heat. Tourists like Dennis Mix have altered their plans to avoid the heat, reflecting the impact of the heatwave on individuals visiting the region.
The recent power outages and storm damage in countries across the region underscore the destructive impact of extreme weather events heightened by human-induced climate change. A collapse of a regional distribution line led to power outages in Montenegro, Bosnia, Croatia, and Albania during a previous heatwave, while a powerful storm caused widespread damage and casualties. Experts warn that climate change is contributing to more frequent and severe weather swings, emphasizing the need for global action to mitigate the effects of extreme heatwaves and storms in the future.
