Europe is involved in extreme heat waves, warnings in some countries

The Health Ministry in Italy has announced red alarm for heat wave in 15 cities, including Rome and Milan, while on Wednesday the number of affected cities is expected to rise to 16. Authorities have called on citizens to consume snacks, stay indoors during the hottest hours of the day, and cool water to avoid health risks.

Meanwhile, a red health warning has also been issued in the United Kingdom in six regions of England, which will last from Wednesday through Thursday. The warning includes West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, South West, London and East of England.

British authorities warn that this situation poses a life - threatening “for the healthy population”, with potential impacts on transport, food, water and energy supply, and the functioning of businesses.

According to predictions, temperatures in parts of England and Wales are expected to reach between 38 and 40 degrees Celsius, while meteorologists have issued a rare red warning for a vast area that includes London to Swansea and Somerset to Birmingham.

Warnings come at a time when a study published in “Nature Climate Change” indicates that global exposure to stress dangerous to heat has increased significantly over the past 50 years, driven by climate change. According to the study, the percentage of the world population that experiences at least one day of extreme heat has increased from 16% in the 1970s to 22% nowadays.

Experts point out that “rests from heat” caused by high temperatures and humidity is one of the most frequent causes of weather-related deaths worldwide.