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Heatwave Scorches Mediterranean in Latest Sign of Climate Change Impacts

There’s a risk the temperatures could worsen dry conditions fueling Greece’s fires.

Firetrucks on a road near a wildfire that had engulfed the Mediterranean resort region on Turkey's southern coast near the town of Manavgat in July. 

Firetrucks on a road near a wildfire that had engulfed the Mediterranean resort region on Turkey's southern coast near the town of Manavgat in July. 

Source: AFP via Getty Images 

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A dangerous heatwave is sweeping across the Mediterranean, the latest in a series of recent extreme weather events that underscore the real-world impacts of climate change.

The Italian island of Sicily may have smashed continental Europe’s heat record when thermometers hit 48.8 degrees Celsius (119.8 Fahrenheit) on Wednesday. While residents in the region are used to warm weather this time of year, authorities across the Mediterranean are warning their populations to take precautions as temperatures soar above 100°F.