Europe’s extreme heat will bear down on Italy, Greece and the Balkans over the coming days, with temperatures expected to soar close to record levels.

The Italian Ministry of Health warned of “emergency” heat wave conditions in 10 cities, including Rome, Florence and Bologna. In Greece, the government is asking private sector companies to use remote working if possible as temperatures also climb toward 45C (113F).

Climate change is bringing extreme heat and weather across the Northern Hemisphere, with the average global temperature climbing to a record last week.

Southern Italy and the Balkans are expected to see the highest peak temperatures in Europe over the next 10 days, according to forecaster Maxar Technologies Inc. In July 2021, Syracuse in Italy reached a record 48.8C.

Temperatures in Frankfurt are forecast to peak at 36.5C on Saturday, more than 6C above the seasonal average, before cooling next week. The heat is depressing water levels in the Rhine, pushing up the cost of transporting commodities on a key trade artery.

Meanwhile, the UK and Nordic countries will see cooler than normal temperatures over the next 10 days, with London almost 4C below the seasonal average next Monday.

--With assistance from Priscila Azevedo Rocha and Sotiris Nikas.