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In Spain's Catalonia region, spreading wildfires have left firefighters scrambling to contain the flames. Authorities have reported that the fire began the previous day, leading to the deaths of two individuals on the 1st, while another two succumbed to the heatwave on the 2nd. Additionally, similar unfortunate incidents have been reported from Italy and France, highlighting a growing regional crisis.

Recent temperature change maps depict the severe high temperatures sweeping across Europe, illustrated by deep red colors extending west to east. Meteorological experts indicate that the recent high temperatures are a result of a phenomenon known as the heat dome effect, which occurs when high pressure compresses warm air close to the ground, preventing it from rising.

Liz Bentley, Executive Director of the Royal Meteorological Society in the UK, stated, “We are currently under what is termed a heat dome effect. This heat dome is a slowly moving area of high pressure, where high temperatures accumulate steadily under the dome. This heat dome has migrated from North Africa into Europe, causing extreme heat across the continent.”

Research has indicated a significant correlation between climate change and the emergence of heat dome effects. Bentley further noted, “High temperature events are becoming more frequent, longer-lasting, and more intense. We are facing record-breaking temperatures, with new records being set across many regions in Europe daily.”

In this sweltering heat, streets are filled with residents and tourists trying to cope with the extreme weather; some are using umbrellas while others are engaging in water activities to cool off. Governments in the affected countries have swiftly implemented measures to address the crisis. The French government has issued its highest-level red alert for several central regions, warning citizens about the dangers of extreme heat.

In Switzerland, a nuclear power plant in the northern part of the country has temporarily shut down its reactor due to excessively high temperatures of the river water used for cooling. Regarding the wildfires, Turkey has reported that the fire in Cesme on the eastern Mediterranean coast has been brought under control, but for safety reasons, authorities have already evacuated 50,000 residents.

These events underline the severe effects of climate change and extreme weather phenomena. This current heatwave and its associated wildfires serve as a reminder that the world may need to reassess its relationship with nature.