Europe Faces Record Heat Wave as Sahara's "Charon" Brings Scorching Temperatures

Bloomberg reports that a "thermal explosion" in the Sahara will result in increased heat across southern European states in the coming days, with Italian Sardinia potentially reaching a record-breaking 50 degrees Celsius, according to weather services. The previous temperature record in Europe was set just two years ago, at 48 degrees Celsius in Sicily. However, the new heat wave named "Charon," after the mythical underworld carrier of souls, could potentially surpass heat records in multiple European regions.

Currently, Athens, Rome, and Madrid are experiencing unusually high temperatures. Authorities in southern European countries have begun warning residents about potential fires and disruptions in transportation and energy infrastructure due to the intense heat. Central parts of Europe will also experience rising temperatures, with German authorities cautioning that the eastern and southern regions of the country could reach 38 degrees Celsius in the coming days.

Bloomberg previously reported that June marked the hottest month on record in Europe. Extreme temperatures are also persisting in North America, particularly in Canada and the United States.

Record-breaking high temperatures have been observed worldwide this summer. In July alone, the historical highs for average global temperatures have been broken three times. On July 7, the temperature reached 17.23 degrees Celsius, followed by 17 degrees Celsius on July 3, and 17.18 degrees Celsius on the next day, according to the US National Centers for Environmental Forecasting. These figures have set new records for their respective dates. The warming trend this year is attributed, in part, to El Niño, a fluctuation in the temperature of the surface layer of water in the equatorial Pacific Ocean.