Southern and eastern Europe will continue to experience a heatwave throughout much of this week, with daytime temperatures across the Balkans widely reaching the high 30s to low 40Cs; over 7C above the seasonal norm. Night-time temperatures will also remain elevated, often well into the 20Cs. And in densely urbanised areas such as Athens, Greece, night-time temperatures are forecast at or above an uncomfortable 30C due to the urban heat island (UHI) effect.
During a heatwave, the UHI effect intensifies urban temperatures because heat-absorbing materials, reduced vegetation and human activities retain the sun's warmth overnight, which leads to increased health risks and energy demands.
Officials are also warning about an increased wildfire risk due to prolonged dry and warm conditions coupled with low humidity levels. Numerous wildfires ignited in Greece and various regions of the Balkans and eastern Europe over the weekend.
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