Heat threatening health across multiple continents | DW News

Large parts of southern Europe are sweltering in record high temperatures. About 20 cities in Italy have been put under red alert. People are being warned that the heat could pose a serious risk to their health.

Rome, Florence and Bologna are among the areas most affected. Residents and tourists have been asked to avoid direct sun during the afternoon. Forecasts suggest Sicily could break Europe's record for the hottest temperatures by reaching 49 degrees Celsius. The island set the record at 48.8 degrees in 2021.

Extreme temperatures aren't only hitting Europe. North America, Asia and North Africa are affected, too. In some cases the high temperatures are linked to something called heat domes.

Record heatwaves are sweeping the world and scientists say: This is the new normal! In the US, Phoenix is one of the many places in the Northern Hemisphere battling the extreme temperatures. Arizona's state capital has experienced an unprecedented 18 consecutive days of over 43 degrees celcius. The heat killed over 400 people in the wider county last year with the city's homeless population among those most at risk.

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