The United States is preparing to cope with chaotic weather this week. The National Weather Service predicts that some areas will reach record high temperatures on a daily basis.
Muslim pilgrims use umbrellas for shade outside the Nimrah Mosque to pray at noon on the second day of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on June 15. (Photo: AP).
In Mecca, Saudi Arabia, temperatures reached 47 degrees Celsius on June 16, leading to the deaths of at least 14 pilgrims from heatstroke, according to Jordan’s Petra news agency. Some of the more than 1.8 million pilgrims collapsed due to the extreme heat.
Record temperatures on the island of Cyprus in the Mediterranean also resulted in at least two heat-related deaths, state officials reported. Near the capital Nicosia, over 3.2 square kilometers of forest were burned. The country has experienced temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius over the past week.
In Greece, the heatwave with temperatures surpassing 40 degrees Celsius earlier this month is also believed to be responsible for the deaths or disappearances of several hikers as the heatwave coincides with the tourist season at remote beaches, ancient sites, and mountain trails.
For those preparing to face extreme temperatures in the coming days, experts recommend staying hydrated, wearing loose clothing, and using air conditioning, whether at home or in public spaces.
On June 17, the European Union passed a long-awaited plan to better protect nature within the bloc, known as the Nature Restoration Law.
This issue has seen protests from farmers for months but still passed the vote of lawmakers. It is part of the EU’s Green Deal aimed at setting the most ambitious climate and biodiversity targets in the world.
