Four major European holiday hotspots that are becoming unbearably hot for Brits
UK holidaymakers are ignoring red alert heatwave warnings - as parts of Europe continues to sizzle out of control.
While Brits may be desperate to top up their non-existent tan, temperatures across the Mediterranean have climbed to dangerous levels - exceeding a whopping 40C in select hotspots. Last month, a record-breaking temperature of 46C was set on one Saturday afternoon in El Granado, Spain - while France issued heat warnings in 84 of its 96 mainland departments.
Italy has also been impacted by what experts are referring to as a 'heat dome', causing temperatures to reach a stifling 38C in the bustling city of Rome. This is the same heat that swept across Portugal's capital, Lisbon, last week - and has even made its way over to the UK.
In Barcelona, reports recently emerged that a woman died after spending a gruelling shift outside, cleaning the streets of the Spanish city. The shocking news follows data that found around 2,168 people have died from causes attributable to the heat in Spain alone this year. As a result, experts have urged Brits to exercise caution when travelling to the following hotspots this summer:
Spain
Portugal
France
Italy
Speaking to the Telegraph, Dr Stephen Wood of Northeastern University in the US, warned that tourists are particularly 'vulnerable' to heat stroke and similar related illnesses due to several factors. "Travel often involves a lot of walking and sightseeing, frequently in the hottest parts of the day, without sufficient hydration or rest," he explained.
"They may also wear clothing that isn't ideal for the climate or skip sun protection altogether. Plus, tourists might not recognise the early signs of heat illness, or they may ignore them in the excitement of exploring a new place."
In contrast, locals who grew up in the Mediterranean have acclimatised to the heat much better. Many residents have been 'shutting themselves away in dark houses' during the intense sunny spells, rather than queuing outside for hours to enter museums and other attractions.
Despite the warning, it seems Brits remain undeterred - with thousands of holidays being booked in July as part of last-minute deals. According to On the Beach, in the past 48 hours (from July 1) bookings to Europe increased by a staggering 23 per cent - and there was a whopping 47 per cent increase in bookings leaving within seven days after the booking was made.
If you're travelling to the Mediterranean during the ongoing heatwave, it is advised you remain in the shade between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its hottest. "Wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter," advises the NHS.
"Keep your living space cool. Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees. Check the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NBC News
an hour ago
- NBC News
Search for missing continues after catastrophic Texas floods: Weekend Rundown
Catastrophic flooding struck central Texas on Friday, causing a surge of 20 to 26 feet on the Guadalupe River near Kerrville, leading to widespread damage and washing out roads. Dozens of people were killed over the weekend; the death toll at 5 p.m. ET Sunday was 79 across six counties. In Kerr County, officials reported 68 deaths — including those of 28 children — and 11 children were still missing from Camp Mystic. Meanwhile, the National Weather Service extended the flood watch over much of south-central Texas as several inches of rain fell on the region. President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County. The declaration will allow first responders to have access to the resources they need as they continue search and recovery efforts. Were the warnings adequate? Critics blamed recent cuts by the Trump administration for damaging officials' ability to properly warn residents about incoming flood conditions. A White House spokesperson pushed back against the claims, telling NBC News the accusations were 'disgusting' lies to target political opponents. On Saturday, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also was challenged about whether the federal government did enough to warn Texans. 'I had to swim through the window': The flash floods left residents to escape through rising waters with nothing but their lives. Trump signs 'big, beautiful bill' into law Trump on Friday signed into law his sweeping tax cut and spending package, which he has called the 'big, beautiful bill,' in a Fourth of July ceremony packed with patriotic pomp and symbolism. The White House ceremony took place alongside a military picnic. It included an armed forces flyover, and it was attended by jubilant Republican lawmakers, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise, both of Louisiana, who helped muscle the legislation through the House by a razor-thin margin. 'Our country has had so much to celebrate this Independence Day as we enter our 249th year. America's winning, winning, winning like never before,' Trump said before he signed the bill. In getting his sweeping domestic agenda passed, Trump displayed a mastery over his party that many of his predecessors would have envied. Politics in brief Deep freeze: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth halted a weapons shipment for Ukraine despite military analysis that the aid wouldn't jeopardize U.S. readiness, blindsiding the State Department, Ukraine, European allies and members of Congress, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the matter. Shaken, not stirred: GOP Sen. Thom Tillis' surprise retirement announcement has shaken up not only North Carolina's Senate race, but also the broader fight for the majority in the Senate heading into next year's midterm elections. Another goodbye: Centrist Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska, one of the most vulnerable Republicans in the House, said he doesn't have the 'hunger' for another grueling re-election campaign and won't run for a sixth term next year. Tinker to Evers to ... chance? In Wisconsin, one of the country's most closely divided battleground states, there's one big question on both parties' minds: Is Gov. Tony Evers going to run for a third term next year? The Octagon vs. the Ellipse: UFC plans to host a fight card on the White House grounds, a spokesperson for the promotion confirmed to NBC News. The 'Prince of Darkness' rises again Ozzy Osbourne rose from beneath the stage on a leather throne adorned with a bat and two diamond-eyed skulls. It was part rock 'n' roll theater, part medical necessity. At 76, the 'Prince of Darkness' has Parkinson's disease, his spine is held together with screws and plates, and his ailing voice sometimes struggles for pitch. But this was an emotional display of bloody-minded defiance. On Saturday night in Birmingham, England, Osbourne forced his battered body through the final concert of his band, Black Sabbath, the godfathers of heavy metal formed in 1968. It capped a 10-hour marathon featuring the biggest names in hard rock, from Metallica and Guns N' Roses to supergroups packed with A-listers from Aerosmith, Rage Against the Machine, the Smashing Pumpkins and even Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones. The heavy metal masters weren't the only British band to make a return. Oasis, who split up in 2009, returned from their 16-year hiatus with a show in Cardiff, Wales. Housebuilding hammered by tariff uncertainty The total cost of building a mid-range single-family home could rise by more than $4,000 as a result of Trump's tariffs, an NBC News analysis of building materials shows — an estimate that industry experts who reviewed the analysis called conservative. Products from China, Mexico and Canada — which are tariffed at high rates — are responsible for the largest projected cost increases, calculated using a weighted tariff rate for each item based on the share of imports from each country. Materials primarily imported from China would add $1,708 to per-home costs, Canadian products would contribute $1,300, and Mexican imports would add $981. Robert Dietz, chief economist at the National Association of Home Builders, said the tariffs have an impact beyond their direct cost as they send uncertainty rippling through the supply chain and leave builders unsure how to plan for the future. 'About three-quarters of homebuilders right now are having difficulty pricing their homes for buyers because of uncertainty due to construction input costs,' Dietz said. Notable quote Traveling to Europe is getting cheaper — kind of. Flight prices might be going down, but everything is more expensive once you get there as a weaker dollar takes a bite out of Americans' budgets abroad and global economic uncertainty looms over travel. In case you missed it Actor Julian McMahon, who was known for playing Dr. Doom in the early-2000s 'Fantastic Four' movies and starring in fan-favorite shows including 'Nip/Tuck' and 'Charmed,' died of cancer at 56. Human remains were found at the site of a massive fireworks warehouse explosion that detonated in Northern California, officials said. The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists, the Dalai Lama, turned 90 after a week of celebrations by followers, during which he riled China again and spoke about his hope to live beyond 130 and reincarnate after he dies. Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made a public appearance, the first time he has been seen amid conflict Israel and the United States. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and several teammates gathered in Portugal to attend the funeral of Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, who died in a tragic car crash. Famed competitive eater Joey Chestnut reclaimed his title at the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot-dog eating contest after he skipped last year's gastronomic battle in New York for the coveted Mustard Belt.
Metro
3 hours ago
- Metro
'Drunk' Brit, 22, 'falls off boat and gets caught by propeller' in Magaluf
A British man was hospitalised after drunkenly falling off a boat and getting struck by its propeller. The victim, 22, suffered deep cuts and bruises in the accident at the holiday hotspot of Magaluf, according to Spanish outlet Ultima Hora. Horrified holidaymakers on the packed beach could only watch on as he was pulled out from under the boat. Paramedics rushed to the well-heeled Nikki Beach resort to treat him for his serious injuries. According to the paper, the victim had rented the boat hours earlier planning on spending the day cruising along the coast with friends. But according to local reports, his intoxication caused him to fall into the propellers while the boat was moving, causing multiple wounds. He was stabilised and taken to Son Espases Hospital at around 5pm on Sunday. Resorts such as Torremolinos, Magaluf, and Mykonos are popular party destinations for Brits abroad. More Trending But following a rise in disorderly behaviour in 2024, Spain's Balearic government has clamped down on boozy Brits. On the party islands of Mallorca and Ibiza, guests now have a six-drink limit. Under the rules, you can have three drinks at lunch, and a further three at dinner. However, the cap only applies to regions that have been badly affected by disruptive guests. On Magaluf's infamous strip, pub crawls have also been banned. MORE: Pamplona has so much to offer tourists – beyond the controversial Running of the Bulls MORE: Netflix has me hooked on this 'naughty' hidden gem Spanish period drama MORE: British woman, 29, in coma after getting tattoo on Benidorm hen do
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Exact dates for 37C heatwave as weather maps show where will swelter
Weather maps have revealed the exact date Brits could experience 37C temperatures in yet another heatwave, which is set to roast the country before the end of this month Weather maps have revealed the exact date parts of the UK could experience 37C as another heatwave is predicted to hit the country. The nation could be hit with another heatwave just days after temperatures nearly reached 35C this week. Advanced weather modelling maps, using the GFS weather model, show the mercury rising as high as 37C in some places in less than two weeks' time. Although temperatures have cooled off slightly since Tuesday, the GFS weather model suggests another, potentially even warmer heatwave is on its way. Weather maps have turned dark red for some days, so Brits should keep an eye on whether they will be impacted. Some parts of the country have been battered by thunderstorms today, but now things are set to heat up again after the cooling showers. The above average weather, in the south, east and the Midlands, is due to start on July 17 - with temperatures possibly peaking at 32C. Areas like Kent and Oxford could see the 32C highs and places like London could experience temperatures around 30C. The mercury is set to go up the next day as some Brits could see 37C temperatures on July 18. The sweltering heat will mostly hit southern England. London could see temperatures reach 36C and Birmingham could see mercury there rise to 31C. Temperatures are expected to cool slightly on July 19 but still remain at a high of 32C in Kent. Temperatures around London could reach 30C on that Saturday and weather maps have shown Norwich could experience 30C heat. A heatwave is officially declared when an area hits the heatwave threshold for three consecutive days. The threshold varies from 25C to 28C across the UK. A temperature anomaly map for July 18 shows temperatures in some areas, including places between London and Birmingham, could be around 8C higher than the average for this time of year. This map also showed that areas not set to be included in the official heatwave, like Scotland, Wales and the north of England, will see their temperatures rise around 4C higher than the average for this time of year. The Met Office's long range forecast for July 11 to July 20 says: "Many parts of the UK are expected to be part way through a period of high temperatures and humidity at the start of this period. The duration, geographical extent and intensity of the heat are all rather uncertain at present, but there is the potential for some very hot weather to be realised, especially across some inland southern and eastern areas. "With this also comes the possibility of thunderstorms, in part because of the high temperatures, but also in association with any frontal systems moving in from the west, which would ultimately usher in cooler and fresher conditions. "Towards the latter part of the period, northwestern areas stand a greater chance of experiencing rather more changeable conditions, with drier and occasionally hotter spells more likely further southeast."
