Europe is facing a record-breaking heat wave that has been dubbed “Cerberus” by meteorologists, after the three-headed dog that guards the underworld in Greek mythology. The heat wave is caused by a high-pressure system that traps hot air from Africa over the continent, creating a “heat dome” that prevents cooler air from reaching the surface. The heat wave is expected to last for at least two weeks, with temperatures soaring above 40°C in parts of Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey and the Balkans.
The extreme heat poses serious health risks for humans and animals, as well as increasing the threat of wildfires, droughts and power outages. Authorities have issued red alerts and urged people to stay indoors, drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous activities. Some countries have also implemented measures to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, such as banning cars from city centers and limiting air conditioning use. Experts warn that climate change is making heat waves more frequent, intense and longer-lasting, and call for urgent action to reduce global warming and adapt to its impacts.
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