Health Alert Issued for Upcoming Peak of Severe Heatwave Across Europe.

Southern and central Europe continues to be gripped by a severe heatwave as temperatures soar up to 44C (111.2F) in parts of Spain, leading to forest fires across Greece and Croatia, while national authorities are urging citizens to take appropriate measures amid the rising mercury levels.

The state meteorological agency Aemet reports that on Friday temperatures could reach a staggering 40C throughout much of southern Spain with areas in Andalucía experiencing even higher readings up to 44C. Causes behind these extreme conditions include the arrival of hot, dry and dusty air from North Africa forming a mass over large parts of the region which Aemet expects will persist until Saturday.

Luis Bañon, spokesperson for Aemet, warned that on this exceptionally sweltering day "the skies will remain filled with sand particles originating from the Sahara Desert, particularly affecting regions in southern Spain, Ceuta, Melilla, the Balearic Islands and eastern Canary Islands".

Spain's health ministry has issued alerts for numerous territories throughout the nation. They are advising citizens to stay protected against high temperatures by following guidelines such as hydrating frequently, refreshing regularly, and keeping in mind those who may be particularly susceptible: "When it comes to heat safety; protect yourself; hydrate yourself; refresh yourself, and look after vulnerable individuals".

Héctor Tejero from the ministry's health and climate change division emphasized that although temperatures have been on a steady rise over past decades, improvements in public health infrastructure have made these extreme conditions less fatal. "While heat-related deaths are still significant, falling annually at approximately 3,000 people worldwide, they're projected to increase due to climate change," Tejero said on the online news platform elDiario.es.

In Greece, a second consecutive week of scorching temperatures has resulted in wildfires and peak heat reaching up to 43C near Athens and Thessaloniki. Greek authorities have issued evacuation orders for certain regions due to ongoing fire incidents while air restrictions were imposed at archaeological sites within the capital city and outdoor work was limited during daylight hours, as per government announcements by spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis.

Italy has also been feeling the brunt of this heatwave with red alerts being implemented for 14 cities across central and southern regions where temperatures are expected to exceed 40C. The health ministry plans to expand these high-alert measures nationwide, including several areas along the Adriatic coast near popular holiday destination Trogir in Croatia.

Croatian authorities have mobilized firefighters and water-bombing aircraft to combat a forest blaze that ignited close to Trogir's beachfront on Thursday. The fire, which was contained by early Friday morning, did not impact any residential structures or tourist establishments in the area, according to Croatian state broadcayer HRT.

Meanwhile, Serbia has reported record air conditioning usage due to similar sweltering conditions that began earlier this month across the Balkans region.