Italy is grappling with scorching temperatures as a heatwave engulfs southern Europe, leading to the issuance of red alerts in 16 cities, including popular tourist destinations such as Rome, Florence, and Bologna. The alerts, which indicate risks even for healthy individuals, will remain in effect for the coming days. This heatwave has persisted longer than usual, with nighttime temperatures remaining high, exacerbating the discomfort for residents and visitors alike.

Europe is bracing for another heatwave next week, with more high temperatures expected across the continent. While periods of intense heat are natural occurrences, global warming has caused them to become more frequent, intense, and prolonged on a global scale. The effects of this climate phenomenon have raised concerns for public health and safety.

The Italian government has advised residents and tourists in the areas covered by the red alerts to avoid direct sunlight between 11:00 and 18:00 and to take extra precautions for the elderly and vulnerable populations. The scorching temperatures combined with overcrowding have made navigating Rome a "nightmarish" experience, according to tour guide Felicity Hinton. Gondoliers in Venice have reported unbearable conditions, with the heat radiating through their legs and feet, causing pain to both locals and tourists.

Greece has also been grappling with soaring temperatures, exceeding 40°C (104°F) in recent days. To ensure visitor safety, the Acropolis in Athens, the country's most renowned tourist attraction, was closed during the hottest hours of Friday and Saturday due to the extreme heat. Tourists visiting the site witnessed fellow visitors experiencing heatstroke, requiring medical attention and even vomiting due to the intensity of the heat. The Red Cross has been providing water and first aid to visitors, as the rocky hilltop offers little shade.

The heatwave has raised concerns about an increased risk of wildfires, particularly in areas with high winds. Greece suffered major wildfires during an exceptional heatwave in 2021. In Spain, a forest fire on the island of La Palma led to the evacuation of at least 500 people and the destruction of 11 houses.

Central parts of Europe, including Germany and Poland, have also experienced high temperatures. The Czech Republic's meteorological office issued a warning that temperatures could exceed 38°C (100.4°F) over the weekend, which is exceptionally high for the country.

Southern Spain, southeastern Italy, and possibly Greece are expected to face temperatures as high as 47°C (116.6°F) later in the week, potentially breaking city records. However, the United Kingdom is anticipating heavy showers and gusty winds in parts of England on Saturday, as the southern shift of the jet stream draws low-pressure systems into the region.

The current heatwave in Europe has been named "Cerberus" by the Italian Meteorological Society, alluding to the three-headed monster from Dante's Inferno. Weather forecasters in Italy are warning that the next heatwave, dubbed "Charon" after the ferryman of souls in Greek mythology, could push temperatures back above 40°C (104°F) next week.

Heatwaves are not limited to Europe, as countries such as the United States, China, North Africa, and Japan have also been experiencing extreme temperatures. Last month was recorded as the hottest June on record, according to the EU's climate monitoring service Copernicus. The highest temperature ever recorded in Europe occurred in Sicily in August 2021, reaching 48.8°C (119.8°F). The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has cautioned that extreme weather events resulting from a warming climate are unfortunately becoming the new normal.