Abnormally hot weather in a number of European countries has started to gradually subside, but it has been replaced by storms in some regions, the EFE agency reports.
For example, a strong storm with hail the size of a tennis ball hit northeastern Italy after the temperature records recorded earlier this week. The bad weather affected the Veneto region, where more than 100 people were affected. The hail also damaged vineyards that grow a type of grape used for Prosecco.
Residents of Croatia and Slovenia also faced the stormy weather. More than 10 people were injured.
Meanwhile, in Greece, the heat wave is not subsiding. Against the background of 40-degree temperatures, firefighters are fighting natural fires near Athens. The operation involves airplanes and helicopters, including those from other European countries. Temperatures are expected to exceed 45 degrees Celsius by the end of the week. The country’s culture ministry has decided to close all archaeological sites to the public, including the Acropolis of Athens, until July 23.
“The hard times are clearly not over yet. We are experiencing a new heat wave and a possible increase in winds, so extreme vigilance and preparedness is required over the next few days,” Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said.
The island of Rhodes declared a state of emergency on Thursday, with locals in some mountainous areas being evacuated.
The heat wave continues to intensify on the other mainland. In the U.S., extremely high temperatures are recorded for this time of year. The increased level of danger is announced in many states, in total, such a warning affected a third of the population of the country. In Las Vegas in the coming days expect a record high of 47 degrees Celsius.
