Meteorologists are warning that the current European temperature record of 48C in Athens, Greece, in 1977 could be broken as a wave of blisteringly hot air sweeps in from North Africa. The experts say both Spain and Portugal will be hit by an extreme heatwave that might see the hottest-ever temperatures recorded in continental Europe. A widespread heat advisory has been issued by EU and national officials.
The news arrives on the heels of a heatwave which has hit all over Europe and the UK, with exceedingly high temperatures expected across the continent for the coming week. British meteorologists say the current record of 48C in Athens, Greece from the late 1970s just as scorching temperatures are devastating crops across northern Europe. Also suffering from the sweltering temperatures, Russia, Romania, Scandinavia and the Baltic states have seen temperatures into the low 40s yesterday. Highs are expected to reach record-breaking temperatures in inland areas this weekend. From Portugal to Moscow and beyond, temperature predictions as high as 47+ are not beyond the realm of possibility say weather experts.
Accuweather has predicted sweltering heat building up across parts of western and central Europe throughout the summer months, and fierce storms to hit Poland to Italy, and Romania, and a crippling drought across Ukraine.
“There is concern for a long-duration heat wave late in the summer which could produce dangerous conditions for the young and elderly,” according to Accuweather Senior Meteorologist Alan Reppert
Hot air blowing in from Africa is turning Europe’s tourism season into a cookoff, a kind of relentless sauna bath that is melting Sweden’s glaciers and ruining crops for farmers. Locals and tourists alike are urged to heed the heat advisory warnings and to seek shelter from the hottest daylight periods and to keep hydrated throughout the day.
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