A punishing heat wave broke records in southern Europe and hasn’t peaked yet in some places, prompting warnings to residents, employers and tourists to alter their habits.The New York Times reports that a punishing heat wave has broken records in southern Europe and is still ongoing in some areas, leading to warnings for residents, employers, and tourists to adjust their routines. Spain, France, Portugal, Greece, and Italy have all experienced extreme conditions over the weekend, with the heat wave expected to continue into the middle of the week.
In Italy, heat warnings have been issued for 16 cities, while in France, the prime minister has cancelled a trip to monitor the effects of the weather, still haunted by the devastating 2003 heat wave that claimed thousands of lives. The severity of the heat wave can be seen in the fact that a nuclear reactor in southern France had to be shut down to prevent endangering wildlife by discharging heated water into an already overheated river.
Despite the challenges, Europeans are doing their best to cope, especially in places where air conditioning is not readily available or is frowned upon due to concerns about pollution or health. Governments have stepped in to help, implementing restrictions on outdoor work and sending municipal workers to check on elderly residents. However, tourists who are determined to be outdoors have struggled, seeking refuge in ancient monuments or cafes with outdoor misting fans in cities like Rome.
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