Europe is facing a scorching summer this year, with forecasts from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) predicting temperatures exceeding normal levels by as much as 2.5°C.
Notably, all forecast scenarios for May show above-average temperatures across the continent for the first time on record.
The forecast comes on the heels of an already hot start to 2024, with high temperatures persisting from last year.
Meteorological and climate models suggest a strong likelihood that 2024 will rank among the five to ten warmest years since the mid-19th century.
These extreme conditions raise concerns about wildfires. With dry soils and low relative humidity expected, the risk of intense and long-lasting wildfires is significantly increased.
Authorities and citizens alike should exercise extreme caution to prevent wildfires and ensure preparedness for potential outbreaks.
(Photo by Reuters/Yiannis Kourtoglou)
