A new report from the organization Climate Resilience for All shows that European cities are facing "heat seasons" that last much longer than traditional summers, endangering the health of millions of citizens.
According to the study, Tirana ranks second on the continent with 143 days a year with temperatures above 32°C – just short of Athens, which tops the list with 145 days. Lisbon comes next with 136 days and Madrid with 119 days of extreme heat. Scientists warn that these prolonged heatwaves, now lasting up to five months in some cities, are increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses and straining health systems.
Experts also highlight the "urban heat island" effect, where concrete and a lack of green spaces make cities much hotter than rural areas. "The summer season as we knew it has changed," says Kathy Baughman McLeod, director of Climate Resilience for All, calling for urgent measures to protect citizens from increasingly long heat waves.
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