Global warming is having an increasing impact on the weather in Europe, and in some countries the summers are becoming truly unbearable. The Olive Press writes about the weather problems in Spain.
Thus, Spanish meteorologist Mario Picasso warns that in the coming days the temperature in Barcelona could reach 50 degrees Celsius in the shade.
"This is the scenario for which the city of Barcelona is preparing, seeking to anticipate situations of extreme heat that could lead to power outages, disruption of urban mobility or limited access to medicines, among other consequences," he says.
The expert noted that heat waves are particularly intense in urban environments. This phenomenon is known as urban heat islands.
"The asphalt on the streets and roads, as well as the buildings, retain heat and add a few degrees to the already high temperatures due to the entry of warm air masses, which is a common phenomenon in summer", explained the forecaster.
Picasso explains the "increasingly hot and stuffy" summers in Barcelona and other Mediterranean cities, among other things, with the increase in sea water temperature, which in turn leads to higher humidity. And it is known that in humid air the heat is even more difficult to bear.
With this in mind, the Barcelona city council is developing a "Plan against the Heat" with a budget of 11.6 million euros until 2035. The plan calls for the construction of more "climate shelters" to meet the needs of the overheating seaside city.
"Our intention is to gradually implement everything that has been established or learned from this experience. The city is increasingly facing extreme heat waves, which tend to last longer," Picasso warned.