In several Southern European countries the 40C mark has been breached for a number of days in a row and is likely to continue for the foreseeable future, with Italy, Greece, Croatia, Portugal and Spain all experiencing roasting heat
Holidaymakers have been issued a stark health warning ahead of the school summer holidays.
While the UK now has a little warm weather to cheer about after months of drizzle and chilly misery, in Europe they have far too much of it. The Continent is absolutely roasting at the moment, with many of the sunny holiday spots beloved by ray-hungry Brits scorching.
In several countries the 40C mark has been breached for a number of days in a row and is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. While a little sun, sea and sand sounds tempting after the miserable summer we have had, such high temperatures can be very dangerous.
Extreme heat can be deadly. In 2023 61,000 people died because of Europe’s record-breaking heatwave. William Spencer, climate and first aid product manager at the British Red Cross, said: “Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and getting worse because of climate change.
“Sadly, we have seen cases already this year of the tragic impact high temperatures can have on human life. High temperatures make it harder for the body to cool itself and we all need to take care to manage the health risks of heat. If you are travelling to a country experiencing extreme heat, there are several steps you can take to keep yourself and others safe.”
The temperatures have started rising rapidly just as a new early-warning system has come into force. Forecaster.health is the first pan-European, publicly available platform that predicts the actual mortality risks of temperatures for different demographics. Those planning a holiday who are concerned about the heat can use it to check how much of a risk to their health they are taking.
If you are heading on holiday in the coming weeks, make sure you know the forecasted weather so you can prepare suitably.
Have you been impacted by the extreme heat? Email [email protected]
France
The Olympics are beginning in Paris on Friday, with many people flocking to the Capital as a result. Like other French cities, Paris is due to be baked in mid-30s temperatures for the coming week – well above the 24.6C July daily maximum average of 24.1C.
Spain
The Spanish holiday islands beloved by Brits are currently sweltering in hotter than average temperatures. Tenerife is basking in 32C today and is forecast to rise to 34C ahead of the weekend.
Seville – one of the hottest cities in the whole of Europe – is forecast to experience highs of 41C on Friday, 39C on Saturday and 40C again next Tuesday. Malaga – home of Costa del Sol – will hit the 41C mark early next week.
Italy
A heat warning has been issued for Southern Italy, where Sicily is due to be baked in 38C highs this weekend. It could feel even hotter to holidaymakers out there, with the Met Office predicting that classy Palermo will get a little sweaty when the perceived temperature hits 44C thanks to the high humidity. Rome, Sardinia and Venice are all creeping above the mid-30s in the coming days.
Greece
Many of the holiday islands that populate the Ionian and Aegean seas are sweltering right now, with Crete edging for 36C and Corfu looking like it’ll break the 40C barrier this weekend. On the mainland, Athens is nudging 38C today, according to forecasts.
Portugal
Lisbon is particularly warm over Thursday and Friday, with highs of 33C expected. In the Algarve region in the south of the country, the Met Office has forecast 33C and 35C over Thursday and Friday.
Croatia
A heat warning is currently in place for the entire coastline in Croatia, with Dubrovnik due to hit 37C on Thursday and 36C on Friday.
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