The northern Italian city of Milan experienced a historic high on Wednesday when the mercury soared to a record-breaking 33 degrees Celsius (91.4 Fahrenheit), as per the regional environmental protection agency, ARPA. This unprecedented temperature marked the zenith of a heatwave that has been scorching the region since mid-August.
The Milano Brera weather station, which has been recording temperatures since 1763, confirmed that this was the hottest day ever recorded in the city. The previous record, 32.8 degrees Celsius, was set on August 11, 2003. This summer has been particularly harsh for southern Europe, with Rome, the Italian capital, registering a staggering 41.8 degrees Celsius in July. The intense heat has fueled wildfires, forced governments to issue health warnings, and disrupted vacations for numerous tourists.
In a statement, ARPA noted that August 23 and 24 were the hottest days of this summer for the entire Lombardy region, which encompasses Milan. Several towns in the region recorded peak temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. However, there is some respite on the horizon. The agency forecasts that the heatwave will soon abate, making way for heavy thunderstorms and a significant drop in temperatures—by 10-15 degrees Celsius—early next week.
This summer’s heatwave has been especially severe, impacting not only Italy but also other parts of southern Europe. The escalating temperatures have contributed to a series of wildfires across the region, leading to widespread destruction of natural habitats and forcing evacuations in several areas. Governments have been issuing health warnings to their citizens, advising them to stay hydrated, avoid going out during the hottest parts of the day, and take other necessary precautions to stay safe.
The tourism industry, already grappling with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, has faced further disruptions due to the extreme weather conditions. Many tourists have had to alter their plans, seeking refuge from the heat in cooler areas or indoors.
As climate change continues to intensify, such extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common. Governments and communities must work together to adapt to these changes and mitigate their impact as much as possible.
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