A severe heatwave gripped much of Europe on Sunday, with temperatures approaching 40°C, prompting health warnings, transport disruptions and concerns over the impact on wildlife and popular tourist destinations.
The surge in temperatures on the summer solstice, which marks the beginning of the northern hemisphere’s hottest season, has raised fears of an early and prolonged period of extreme heat.
After several days of temperatures above 35°C, Italian authorities issued the highest-level red heat alert for eight cities, including Bologna, Florence, Milan and Turin.
In Rome, pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square used parasols and umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun as the Pope led the traditional Sunday prayer from the Apostolic Palace.
Meteorologists said the heatwave is being driven by a mass of hot air moving north from the Sahara Desert, intensified by a strong high-pressure system known as the African anticyclone.