Europe Melts in Fifth Heat Wave, Tourists Rethink Plans
Europe is enduring a fifth heat wave, with temperatures reaching 43°C in Spain. France, England, and Italy are feeling the effects: rivers are drying up, farmers are suffering billions of euros in losses, and tourists are changing their plans. Restaurateurs in Rome report a shift to cold dishes and a decline in alcohol consumption.
Europe is grappling with a fifth heat wave, expected to spread from Western to Eastern Europe in the coming days. Spain is forecast to see temperatures up to 43°C, and France, England, and Italy are already feeling the consequences. Residents of Burgos province in Spain, usually a cool region, report having to give up blankets and sleep without clothes. Rivers are drying up across the continent, and the falling water level of the Danube in Serbia has exposed ships of the Nazi fleet that sank during World War II. Italy's farmers' association estimates that climate damage, including droughts and violent hailstorms, has caused over three billion euros (about $3.5 billion) in losses to agriculture. The heat is also changing cultural habits: restaurateurs in Rome report a shift to cold pasta and salads, a decline in alcohol consumption, and less outdoor seating. Tourists from the United States, who came to enjoy the sun, are hiding in the shade and reconsidering coming to Italy in August in future years. Some locals are taking advantage of free film screenings in air-conditioned cinemas to pass the hottest hours.