In Southern Europe, another heat wave – with temperatures of over 45 degrees – is expected to sweep in during the next week.
At the same time, the weather will be cooler in Sweden.
But now is not the time to book a last-minute trip to the Mediterranean.
– Such temperatures strain the heart, breathing and kidneys, says doctor Martin Nordberg.
In Italy, they have chosen to call the heat “Kerberos”, after the three-headed dog in Greek mythology that guards the entrance to the underworld. Kerberos is expected to remain throughout next week.
– There is room for over 45 degrees when this air mass enters. Next week this hot air spreads out over a larger area; around Italy, the Balkans and the Iberian Peninsula, says TV4 News meteorologist Ulrika Elvgren.
– There is a risk that the European heat record of 48.8 degrees will be challenged.
“Strains the heart, lungs and kidneys”
This week there have been reports of tourists freezing in the heat, and a street worker who collapsed in Milan and whose life could not be saved.
Martin Nordberg, doctor and head of the emergency department at Södersjukhuset, says that it is important for everyone to be careful in the heat, but especially the risk groups the elderly, the chronically ill, children and pregnant women.
– The heat puts a strain on the heart, lungs and kidneys. The heart has to work harder, the breathing has to work harder and the kidneys take a beating when dehydrated, says Martin Nordberg.
– What has been seen in larger studies is that if a heat wave lasts more than a few days, the general mortality rate in society increases by up to 25 percent.
What to think about?
– What you should think about is trying to cool off, that you are not out for too long in this strong heat. It is important to drink plenty of good fluids, that is, avoid things that strain the heart more or make you not notice that you are becoming dehydrated. They say that you should avoid alcohol, sugary drinks in excessive amounts and caffeine.