Temperatures are sizzling across Europe this week amid an intense and prolonged period of heat. And it’s only just begun. Italy, Spain, France, Germany and Poland are all facing a major heatwave with air temperatures expected to climb to 48°C on the islands of Sicily and Sardinia – potentially the hottest temperatures ever recorded in Europe.
Keep in mind that this is just the beginning of climate change. By mid century temperature records of 45°C will be normal in Germany, whereas Spain and Italy will be looking at 52-55°C records. Correspondingly thr number of heat related deaths is expected to rise to about 120.000 per year.