Europe in the grip of severe heat and heat

London Much of southern Europe is reeling under intense heat, with authorities warning of higher temperatures in the coming days.

According to a BBC report, the European Space Agency (ESA) has warned that Italy, Spain, France, Germany and Poland are at risk of extreme heat. A fresh wave of heat is likely to start from next week.

On Friday, Greece recorded temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius or more, prompting authorities to close the Acropolis, the country’s most popular tourist attraction, during the hottest hours of the day for the safety of visitors.

Greek authorities also fear an increased risk of wildfires, especially in areas with high winds.

In 2021, the country faced major wildfires after being hit by an extraordinary heat wave.

Meanwhile, a fire broke out in Croatia on Thursday. Houses and cars were burnt in the village of Grabastica on the Dalmatian coast.

Officials told Croatian TV on Friday that the fire had been brought under control.

Higher temperatures are also reaching central parts of Europe, with Germany and Poland among the affected countries, the BBC reports.

Czechia’s weather office issued a warning that temperatures could rise above 38 degrees Celsius over the weekend.

Heavy rain and strong winds are expected in parts of the UK on Saturday.

Earlier this week, a forty-year-old man died of heatstroke in northern Italy, while several tourists visiting the country fell ill with heatstroke.

Italian weather forecasters are warning that temperatures will soar above 40 degrees next week.

People have been advised to drink at least two liters of water a day and avoid coffee and alcohol.

According to the European Union’s climate monitoring service Copernicus, there was a record heat in June.