49.6 Degrees Measured: Europe and the World Sizzle

Globally, the hottest temperature was recorded in Kuwait, reaching a scorching 49.6°C.

Six other Turkish cities were also among the ten hottest in Europe: Kilis (40.3°C), Antalya (40.2°C across the region), Manisa (40.2°C), Dikili (40.0°C), Batman (39.9°C), and Kahraman Maras (39.8°C).

Elsewhere in Europe, Lephkonico in Cyprus also reached 40.6°C, Caspe-Plana del Pilón in Spain recorded 40.1°C, and Clermont in France reached 39.8°C.

In stark contrast, the coldest spot in Europe this morning was Konsoia, Norway, where the temperature dropped to -2.3°C. Most of the other coldest locations were also in Norway and Sweden, with several places registering sub-zero temperatures.

Globally, the hottest temperatures this morning were recorded in Kuwait (49.6°C), Oman, and Pakistan, while the coldest was in Antarctica, plunging to -70.9°C.

Red Alert in Several Italian Cities Amid Intense Heatwaves

Italy is currently gripped by an intense heatwave, prompting red weather alerts in several cities, including Bologna, Bolzano, Brescia, Florence, Perugia, and Turin. The peak of the heatwave is expected over the weekend, according to forecasts.

Italy’s Ministry of Health announced that the number of cities under the highest alert level is expected to increase to 13 by Friday.

Meteorologist Antonio Sanò reported that temperatures could reach up to 40°C in the shade on Sunday in Florence, Ferrara, and Terni, Milan, and Rome could see highs of 39°C, according to ANSA news agency.

“Maximum temperatures may surpass historical records set during the infamous 2003 heatwave,” said Sanò, founder of the weather portal iLMeteo.it. “They will be accompanied by tropical nights, with minimum temperatures remaining above 20°C.”

Throughout Italy, north, central, and south, minimum temperatures are forecast to hover around 25°C, while maximums could reach 40°C.

Sanò noted that the anticyclone currently dominating Italy is expected to persist for at least ten days. The first temperature peak is forecast for today, June 26, with a second, more intense spike expected on Sunday, June 29. A slight cooling is anticipated only after Wednesday, July 2.

A red weather alert indicates temperatures that pose a serious health risk not only to the elderly and those with chronic conditions but also to otherwise healthy individuals.