High temperatures continue to hit different regions of Europe, especially France and Italy, which are facing the third heat wave in recent weeks. In Spain, a fire in Andalusia has already left more than ten people dead. In addition to the impacts on health, the phenomenon is also beginning to affect food production and prices.
Europe faces new heat wave, fires and rise in food prices
High temperatures continue to hit different regions of Europe, especially France and Italy, which are facing the third heat wave in recent weeks. In Spain, a fire in Andalusia has already left more than ten people dead....
In several European countries, thermometers once again exceeded 40°C. In France, a new heat wave is expected to hit the country after a period marked by excess deaths and serious cases related to high temperatures.
Data released last week indicated that during the peak of the previous heat wave, the country recorded at least 2,025 more deaths than expected. Deaths of children who were left inside vehicles exposed to heat were also reported.
Now, the forecast is that temperatures will once again approach 40°C. Paris and Lyon are among the cities expected to suffer the biggest impacts, according to Météo-France. Nights with high temperatures are also expected.
The new heat wave is expected to persist until Tuesday, July 14th. Although isolated and, at times, intense storms are forecast between the northwest and southwest of the country, the expectation is that the rains will not be enough to significantly reduce temperatures.
Smaller and heat-burned fruitsThe effects of high temperatures are already beginning to be felt in the agricultural sector. According to the newspaper Le Parisien, the first periods of extreme heat were received with less concern by producers, who were able to prepare with irrigation systems and advance harvests.
With the arrival of the third heat wave, however, the scenario changed. Farmers report losses in the development of plantations and a reduction in the size of fruits.
Alexi Bois, a producer in the Gard region, said peaches and nectarines are smaller because cicadas attack the tree sap during periods of intense heat.
In stores, the reflections can also be observed. In addition to the reduction in size, some fruits show brown spots caused by excessive exposure to high temperatures.
Producers claim that part of the harvest may arrive on the market with a “burnt” appearance. The situation could also cause an increase in the prices of foods such as apples, plums and carrots.
Fires and deaths in SpainSpain also faces serious consequences. A fire that advanced quickly in the municipality of Los Gallardos, in Andalusia, left at least 12 dead and dozens injured. Around 20 people were still out of contact.
The fire spread across large areas and mobilized emergency teams in the region.
Italy goes on red alertIn Italy, the third heat wave is expected to continue at least until Monday. The cities of Florence and Perugia, in the center of the country, received red alert for Friday and Saturday.
Meteorological services predict temperatures higher than those recorded at the height of the second heat wave, when thermometers registered between 38°C and 40°C.
In the interior of the island of Sardinia, maximum temperatures could reach 43°C in the coming days.
In France, in addition to temperature-related deaths, more than 100 people have died from drowning since June 19. Fires have also destroyed thousands of hectares in recent hours.
In Portugal, after days with temperatures above 41°C, the forecast indicates a drop in thermometers, in addition to the possibility of thunderstorms and rain showers in some regions.
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Source:
Noticias ao Minuto - Ultima Hora
