ANALYSIS: Scorching heat is returning to the new normal in the Mediterranean

Extreme heat throughout the Mediterranean area this summer. Scorching summers may return to normal for the Mediterranean, according to an analysis by Climate Central.

The Mediterranean is directly affected by climate change. The likelihood of heat waves, such as currently occurring in the Mediterranean area, has increased as a result of climate change, according to an analysis by the American non-governmental organization, Climate Central. The probability of very high temperatures, like the current ones in Greece, has increased fivefold, Climate Central reported.

14 consecutive days above 40 degrees

According to the organization, this year Greece has experienced the hottest July since records began with 14 consecutive days of temperatures exceeding 40 degrees. Even now in the last two weeks of August, there were temperatures on average 3-6 degrees higher than before not only in Greece, but also in Albania, Italy and France. Whereas in Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Austria and Hungary, the expected temperatures are 6-10 degrees higher than the previous average.

Climate change increases the risk of wildfires

According to the Princeton-based Climate Central, climate change increases the risk of wildfires. "We know that high-risk weather conditions for fires are directly related to climate change," said Andrew Pershing, head of the research project. This is because climate change leads to longer periods of drought and heat, which increases the risk of wildfires. "We must leave coal, oil and gas in the ground," Pershing emphasized, "otherwise summers with fires and extreme temperatures in the Mediterranean space will be the new normal. Not only in Greece, but in the whole region".

Tourists should assess the risk of high temperatures

This summer in Greece, 5 tourists lost their lives due to the scorching heat. Trekking tourists were not properly equipped for the extreme temperatures. Experts warn against underestimating heat. They say that high temperatures have a strong effect on the brain and can lead to disorientation and wrong decisions, affecting even the wrong assessment of risks. Many people, due to lack of knowledge, tend to underestimate this risk. Some think that some simple measures protect them, while others on vacation want to see as much as possible of the country they visit while ignoring the dangerous temperatures. /DW