Italy Faces Record-Breaking ‘Cerberus’ Heat Wave with Deadly Consequences
Italy Braces for Record-Breaking Heat wave: Temperatures predicted to soar past 45 degrees Celsius
Baku, July 13 – A scorching heat wave is currently sweeping across Italy, with temperatures expected to surpass 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit) in some regions, according to CNN. Dubbed “Cerberus” by the Italian Meteorological Society, after the three-headed guardian of hell described in Dante’s Inferno, this heat wave has already proven deadly.
Tragically, on Tuesday, a 44-year-old road construction worker in the city of Lodi collapsed and later died in the hospital due to the extreme heat. The incident prompted politician Nicola Fratoianni to advocate for stronger regulations to protect workers during the ongoing heat wave. Fratoianni tweeted, “We are facing a wave of abnormal heat at unbearable levels. Perhaps it should be the case that during the hottest hours all useful precautions are taken to avoid tragedies like the one that happened today in Lodi.”
Heat-related incidents are not limited to workers. Tourists in Rome also fell victim to heat stroke this week, including an unnamed British tourist who fainted in front of the iconic Colosseum. The high temperatures gripping Italy are part of a wider heat wave that spans across Europe. The extreme weather conditions are caused by a “heat dome,” a phenomenon where an area of high pressure lingers over one location, trapping hot air underneath.
On Friday, central and southern Italy are projected to experience exceptionally high temperatures. The capital city of Rome may witness record-breaking temperatures ranging from 40 to 45 degrees Celsius (104 to 113 Fahrenheit). As a precautionary measure, Italy’s Health Ministry has issued a red alert, signaling a “risk of death,” for 27 cities, including Rome, Florence, and Bologna.
Heat waves pose a significant threat to human life. A recent report published in Nature revealed that last year’s heat wave resulted in the deaths of 61,672 individuals in Europe. Italy had the highest fatality rate, with approximately 18,000 deaths attributed to heat-related causes. Luca Mercalli, head of the Italian Meteorological Society, emphasized that individuals without access to air conditioning were at the greatest risk. Shockingly, less than 10% of homes in Europe are equipped with air conditioning, in stark contrast to approximately 90% of homes in the United States.
The oppressive heat is expected to be accompanied by rising humidity, compounding the discomfort experienced across Italy. The government has issued warnings to the population, urging them to remain indoors, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol. Furthermore, businesses have been advised to refrain from scheduling outdoor work between noon and 5 pm over the next two weeks. Some summer camps for children have also temporarily halted their activities.
Popular tourist destinations like Rome are taking measures to ensure the safety of visitors. Cooling stations equipped with misting tents, free water, and healthcare professionals are being set up near major attractions to address cases of heat stroke.
The heat wave in Italy is also impacting several European countries, including France, Germany, and Spain. Spain, in particular, is facing severe heat, with temperatures expected to reach 44 degrees Celsius (111.2 Fahrenheit) in certain regions, according to Spain’s national weather service, AEMET.
This heat wave follows another one that struck Spain in April, breaking the previous national monthly temperature record as temperatures soared to 38.8 degrees Celsius. Scientists have identified that the climate crisis caused by human activity has dramatically increased the likelihood of extreme heat events like these.
As Cerberus gradually dissipates, a new front called Charon is set to take its place, intensifying the heat even further in Italy. There are concerns that temperatures may approach the European record of 48.8 degrees Celsius (120 Fahrenheit). This record was set in Sicily on August 11, 2021, according to the Italian government.
In light of these extreme weather conditions, authorities are urging individuals to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the potentially life-threatening heat wave.
