Severe Heatwave Warning Across Southern Europe
A severe heatwave warning is in effect for much of southern Europe, with record-breaking temperatures expected in parts of Italy, Spain, Greece, and even Germany. A severe ‘heat dome’ effect could see temperatures soar to over 40C (104F) in parts of Spain, France, Greece, Croatia, and Turkey later today. In Italy, temperatures could reach as high as 48.8C as a red alert warning is issued for 10 cities, including Florence and Rome. This comes after thousands of people have ended up in hospitals across southern Europe, suffering from the effects of severely hot weather. On Tuesday, a man in his forties died after collapsing in northern Italy. He was painting zebra crossing lines in the town of Lodi, near Milan, before he collapsed from the heat. He was taken to the hospital where he later died. Italian politician Nicola Fratoianni said, “We are facing an unbearable heatwave. Maybe it’s the case that in the hottest hours all the useful precautions are taken to avoid tragedies like the one that happened today in Lodi.”
Unsettled Weather Forecast for Munster
The latest forecast for Munster points to a very unsettled period, starting later today and continuing through the weekend, with heavy showers expected across Munster tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday, in particular. According to Met Eireann, today will see a good deal of cloud with scattered showers and occasional bright or sunny spells. The highest temperatures will range from 16 to 19 degrees. Tonight, there will be scattered showers at first with mostly light southerly winds. However, heavy rain and strengthening winds will develop in the southwest before morning. Tomorrow, Friday, will be wet and windy, with heavy rain and fresh to strong winds during the morning. Localized flooding is possible. The rain will clear during the afternoon, with a much drier end to the day for most areas. Winds will also ease as the rain clears, but it will remain windy near coasts. The highest temperatures will range from 18 to 21 degrees.
National Outlook
The national outlook for the weekend and next week shows unsettled weather continuing. Friday night will see further outbreaks of rain with some dry spells, likely driest and clearest in the east. It will remain breezy with moderate to fresh winds, strong at times in coastal areas. Lowest temperatures will range from 11 to 13 degrees. Saturday will be cloudy with widespread showers or longer spells of rain, heavy in places. It will be windy in most areas with fresh to strong northwest winds, and very windy along Atlantic coasts. The highest temperatures will range from 15 to 19 degrees. Saturday night will start off blustery with outbreaks of rain. Some clear spells will develop overnight, with winds gradually easing. Lowest temperatures will range from 10 to 13 degrees. Sunday will have a mix of cloud and sunshine with showers, becoming widespread and heavier in the afternoon. The highest temperatures will range from 15 to 19 degrees, with moderate westerly winds. Monday is likely to have scattered showers, although there is a chance of more widespread and persistent rainfall developing. The highest temperatures will range from 16 to 19 degrees, with moderate southwest winds. Further showers are likely on Tuesday with similar temperatures.
As the severe heatwave continues to grip southern Europe, it is essential for individuals to take necessary precautions to stay safe and hydrated. It is advised to stay indoors during the hottest hours of the day, wear appropriate clothing, and drink plenty of water. Local authorities are also taking measures to ensure the well-being of residents and tourists, including setting up cooling centers and providing information on heat-related illnesses.