On July 1st, local time, a spokesperson for the World Meteorological Organization based in Geneva, Switzerland, stated that
The scorching weather of early summer has brought high temperatures that could threaten life to most parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Moreover, with global warming continuing, humans will face similar high temperatures more frequently, even more severe than currently experienced.
Nalis mentioned that typically, July is the month with the highest temperatures across the Northern Hemisphere. However, this year’s temperatures are particularly high and have arrived earlier than usual, especially affecting much of Europe. She explained that this is due to the current impact of a strong high-pressure system in Western Europe. The rise in Mediterranean water temperatures caused by the high temperatures has further exacerbated the occurrence of extreme heat on land.
According to data from the World Meteorological Organization, in the just past June, minimum and maximum temperatures in some areas of Western and Southern Europe broke local monthly records. Nalis pointed out that due to global warming, dangerous high temperatures are becoming more frequent and intense. She emphasized that early warnings from meteorological and hydrological departments are crucial for preventing more deaths due to extreme heat events.
World Meteorological Organization spokesperson Nalis:
The frequency and intensity of extreme heat events in Europe are increasing. By 2050, about half of Europeans may face a high or extremely high risk of thermal stress during the summer.