Kathmandu: A severe heatwave is sweeping across Europe and the Middle East, triggering widespread climate crises and urgent warnings worldwide.

In Tehran, temperatures have soared to 40°C, with forecasts predicting highs above 50°C—the hottest week of the year. Dam reservoirs are at their lowest levels in a century, prompting water rationing appeals.

Greece is enduring its first prolonged summer heatwave, with temperatures reaching 44°C in some regions. A heat dome from North Africa has triggered wildfires, evacuations, and severe environmental damage, especially in Crete and areas near Athens.

Turkey has reported 761 wildfires in just ten days, causing fatalities and extensive damage in provinces like Izmir.

At least eight heat-related deaths have been recorded across Spain, Italy, and other European countries.

Experts from the World Meteorological Organization and the Copernicus Climate Change Service warn that such heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. They call for urgent adaptation measures like climate-resilient infrastructure, water conservation, risk mapping, and early warning systems.