Temperatures on the Iberian Peninsula Approach 47°C

Portugal and Spain are experiencing the peak of this heat wave, with maximum temperatures approaching 47°C in many areas. The high temperatures and intense sunlight have triggered photochemical reactions between vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions, causing ground-level ozone levels across the Iberian Peninsula to reach “severe pollution” levels. Ozone severely irritates the respiratory tract; the number of patients visiting respiratory departments in hospitals across Portugal and Spain has tripled compared to the previous month, and many primary and secondary schools have canceled all outdoor classes. Electricity demand has surged due to the heat, causing aging coal-fired power plants in Eastern Europe to operate at full capacity. Desulfurization equipment is overloaded, leading to a rebound in sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, and the scope of cross-border air pollution continues to expand.