We all know by now that summers are getting hotter every year. And while more and more travellers are choosing to forego classic Mediterranean holiday destinations like Italy, Spain and Portugal, opting instead for a ‘coolcation’ in northern Europe, plenty of holidaymakers will have trips planned to parts of Europe that are currently baking in 40C temperatures.
An extreme heatwave is engulfing much of southern Europe right now, with parts of Spain hitting 46C over the weekend. It’s expected to be sweltering this week – so, what should you do if you have a trip booked? Can you get a refund if you choose not to travel? Here’s the lowdown on travelling in Europe during this summer heatwave.
Where in Europe is experiencing a heatwave?
While parts of the UK are experiencing highs of 33C, much of southern Europe is boiling in even more extreme temperatures. Several destinations have issued ‘red heat’ alerts – these are the hottest places on the continent right now.
Full list of destinations with ‘red heat’ warnings
Spain
Southern Spain has been the worst-hit region, with Seville and the surrounding area recording highs in the mid-40s.
France
Almost the entirety of mainland France has been placed under a severe high temperature alert, which is expected to last for the rest of the week.
Portugal
Portugal’s Directorate-General for Health (DGS) has issued a severe weather warning to citizens, advising that they stay indoors between 11am and 5pm.
Italy
Over 20 cities in Italy were placed under a ‘red’ warning for extreme weather yesterday, with regions like Tuscany reporting an increase in hospital admissions related to dehydration and heat strokes.
Türkiye
A wildfire is currently raging in the Izmir region, and hotter, drier summers are to blame.
Croatia and the Balkans
The Adriatic coast experienced highs of 40C over the weekend, with temperatures expected to remain very hot this week.
Why is it so hot?
Extreme heat is the ‘new normal’, according to UN chief António Guterres, per the Guardian. A ‘heat dome’ – an area of high pressure that traps hot air – is currently engulfing western Europe. This is compounded by hot air from North Africa and made worse by fossil fuel pollution.
How long will the heatwave last?
The intense heat will continue through the week. Temperatures are expected to drop at the end of the week in Italy, according to Meteo.it, returning to seasonal averages of high 20s/early 30s. In Spain, extreme temperatures will persist through at least mid-week, according to AEMET.
Is it safe to travel?
While travel to the affected regions has not been officially warned against, holidaymakers are advised to follow local measures and precautions. Stay out of the sun during peak hours (between 11am and 6pm), wear plenty of sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
Can I get a refund if I choose to cancel my trip?
As the FCDO has not issued an official ‘do not travel’ warning, it’s unlikely you’ll get a refund if you cancel your trip. Speak to your travel provider directly to see what can be done.
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