Spain set a new provisional heat record of 47.2 degrees Celsius (116.96 degrees Fahrenheit) on Saturday, as Southern Europe swelters under a relentless summer sun.
Data from Spain’s State Meteorological Agency says the potential new record was recorded at Montoro, Cordoba, at 5:10 p.m.
If confirmed, that would exceed the country’s previous record of 46.9 degrees Celsius (116.42°F), set nearby in July 2017.
Amid the high temperatures, Italy puts 16 cities on red alert for health risks, and Portugal warns that 75 percent of its regions face a “significantly increased risk” of wildfires.
The high heat comes only days after Sicily reported a temperature of 48.8 degrees Celsius (119.84°F) on Wednesday, which is also awaiting verification, and would be the highest ever recorded in Europe.
Europe’s current heat record came in 1977, when Athens hit 48.0 degrees Celsius (118.4°F).
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From the Liveblog of
Saturday, August 14, 2021
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