The northern hemisphere is starting a new week in oppressive heat, with temperatures expected in Europe above 40° in Italy or heat wave alerts in Spain, devastating fires continuing to rage in Canada and the United States. Strong heat in Europe: up to 48°C are expected at the start of the week in Sardinia, a Mediterranean island west of the Italian Boot. In Spain, which is already emerging from a sweltering week, the meteorological agency has issued an orange alert, warning of temperatures of 38° to 42° over large areas of the peninsula and the Balearic Islands, as well as an alert red (extreme danger) Monday in areas of Andalusia, and Tuesday in Aragon, Catalonia and Majorca (42° to 44°). The consequences of this high heat have already been felt in the Canary Islands, on the island of La Palma, where a fire ravaged 5,000 hectares of land this weekend and forced the evacuation of 4,000 people.

Several European countries particularly affected by the heat In Europe, where global warming is progressing at a rate twice as fast as the global average according to experts, several countries are particularly suffering. In Italy, 16 cities are on red alert across the country, with mercury hovering around 36/37°C, but perceived temperatures that could exceed 40°. Braving the heat, there were still 15,000 pilgrims and tourists, according to the Vatican gendarmerie, to gather in Saint Peter’s Square on Sunday to listen to Pope Francis recite the traditional Angelus prayer.

In Romania, temperatures will be around 39 degrees on Monday. In Greece, where temperatures are expected to drop slightly, the Acropolis of Athens was closed to the public on Sunday between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. local time. Local authorities urged the population to be cautious and warned of the high risk of fires.