Europe is in the middle of a record-breaking heat wave, and the damage is already piling up. In just the first six months of 2022, Europe has seen more fire damage than any other year on record. The intense heat has sparked massive wildfires across the continent, destroying homes and businesses alike. This is a major crisis for Europe, and it doesn’t look like things are going to cool down anytime soon.
The worst affected countries have been Portugal, Spain, and Greece, where temperatures have consistently topped 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). These nations are no stranger to heat waves, but this summer has been particularly brutal. In June alone, there were over 200 wildfires burning in Portugal. This is more than double the average for that month.
Spain has also been hit hard, with over 400 wildfires burning in the country so far this year. This is the highest number of fires Spain has seen in a single year since records began. Greece has also been struggling to contain its own share of fires.
The hot, dry conditions are expected to continue across Europe for the foreseeable future, so the damage is likely to continue piling up. This is a major crisis for the continent, and it’s one that is only going to get worse as the summer goes on.
If you’re in Europe, stay safe and be prepared for the worst. This heat wave is unlike anything we’ve ever seen before, and it’s not going to end anytime soon.