Record-Breaking Heatwave Scorches Europe – Wildfires Rage in Greece and Spain: A 20-Year Retrospective (Quiz)
Introduction As Europe endures yet another historic heatwave in July 2025, with temperatures exceeding 45°C (113°F) in Greece and Spain, the continent faces a familiar crisis. Wildfires have forced mass evacuations, emergency services are stretched to their limits, and climate scientists warn that these extremes are no longer anomalies—they are the new normal. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of Europe's escalating heatwave crisis over the past two decades, examining: Key heatwave events and their devastating impacts Ø Temperature trends showing alarming increases Ø The growing wildfire threat in Southern Europe Ø Policy responses and future challenges Section 1: The Early Warnings (2000-2010) The 2003 Catastrophe: Europe's Deadly Wake-Up Call The summer of 2003 remains the benchmark for extreme heat in modern European history. Ø Peak Temperatu...