Europe battles heat wave and fires, record temperatures scorch China

Italy has put 23 cities on red alert as extreme heat, wildfires, and flooding continue to cause havoc across the globe. Temperatures in Italy are expected to reach up to 46 Celsius (114 Fahrenheit) on Wednesday. The heat wave has broken records, including in Rome, and has increased the risk of deaths. In Greece, wildfires have been burning for a third day, with firefighters working to protect coastal refineries. The fires have destroyed homes and forced hundreds of people to flee. In the United States, a dangerous heat wave is affecting millions of Americans, while Tropical Storm Calvin is causing flash flooding and dangerous surf in Hawaii. In Texas, inmates in prisons without air conditioning have died from fatal heart attacks triggered by extreme heat. Prison advocates are calling for legislation to install air conditioning in all of the state’s prisons. China is also experiencing extreme temperatures, with tourists visiting a giant thermometer showing surface temperatures of 80 Celsius (176 Fahrenheit). In Beijing, temperatures have remained above 35 Celsius (95 Fahrenheit) for 28 consecutive days. Italy and China are both facing soaring temperatures. In South Korea, heavy rain has caused flooding and landslides, resulting in numerous deaths. In India, flash floods and heavy rainfall have killed over 100 people and caused the Yamuna river to reach the Taj Mahal. The Brahmaputra river in India’s Assam state has also burst its banks, affecting the Kaziranga National Park. In Pakistan, a wall collapse caused by monsoon rains killed 11 construction workers. Iraq is experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 50 Celsius (122 Fahrenheit) in Basra. The return of the El Nino weather pattern is expected to exacerbate extreme heat in various parts of the world. The unprecedented temperatures highlight the urgent need for global action on climate change.