Temperatures hit record levels in western Europe

Temperatures reached record highs across western Europe this week, with France, Spain, and Italy experiencing the most severe impacts of the ongoing heatwave. In Spain, the mercury climbed to 45.3 degrees Celsius (113.5 degrees Fahrenheit) in the southern city of Cordoba on July 15, 2024, according to Spain's State Meteorological Agency (AEMET). France's national weather service, Météo-France, reported that the southern city of Marseille recorded a high of 42.1 degrees Celsius (107.8 degrees Fahrenheit) on July 14, 2024, a new daily record for the city. Italy's Civil Protection Department issued high-temperature alerts for over 20 cities, including Rome and Florence, on July 16, 2024, advising citizens to limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours. The heatwave, attributed by some meteorologists to a combination of climate change and a high-pressure system, is expected to persist for at least another week, raising concerns about public health, agricultural yields, and the risk of wildfires.