Brits face 'amber alert' in Europe as tourists die, roads melt and wildfires rage
Brits venturing to the continent in the coming weeks should prepare for scorching temperatures.
Spain and Portugal are expected to see a blistering 42°C this weekend, with temperatures likely to climb even higher today. Italy is experiencing melting road surfaces, while Greece has been battling wildfires that have spread across its holiday islands in recent days.
The heat dome currently enveloping Europe is no joke, with one tourist already succumbing to heatstroke in Majorca. This sweltering front has surged up from Africa and looks set to push temperatures even higher.
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It's unlikely that the heat will ease off anytime soon, due to the heat dome presently over Europe. This meteorological event happens when a high-pressure ridge traps a thick layer of warm air in one area, acting like a lid on a pot.
While a bit of sun, sea and sand might seem appealing, such extreme temperatures can be very dangerous, reports the Mirror.
The region around Seville in southern Spain was predicted to hit 42°C over the weekend, while the French Mediterranean coast reached 40°C on Saturday, with similar temperatures in southern Italy and Sardinia. London could see highs of 35°C on Monday, potentially making it the hottest June day on record in the country.
Spain is bracing for what's expected to be the peak of a scorching heatwave that kicked off last Saturday, smashing June temperature records with a blistering 46 degrees in El Granado down south. A hot and dry air mass from the Sahara is cranking up the heat to "abnormally high and persistent levels, both day and night, which could pose a risk to people," according to a caution from the State Meteorological Agency.
Over in the UK, health chiefs have sounded the alarm with an amber heat warning for Tuesday across London, the East Midlands, South East, South West, and East of England. The UK Health Security Agency has flagged concerns that the soaring temperatures could spell trouble for kids, the elderly, and those with underlying health issues.
The agency highlights the potential for "a rise in deaths, particularly among those ages 65 and over or with health conditions. There may also be impacts on younger age groups."
The sweltering heat is also stirring up the odds of severe storms. France and Germany have already been battered by vicious downpours, hailstorms, and floods, claiming three lives.
Tragically, one victim was a child killed by a falling tree.
Amber heat warnings are in place for swathes of Spain, with similar alerts issued for four departments in southern France. Spanish weather guru Nacho Espinos has advised folks to stay indoors and dodge any heavy physical activity.
A dual warning has been declared across the Canary Islands as they brace for scorching temperatures, with four islands falling under the alert umbrella. Experts caution that temperatures could soar to 37C.
On Gran Canaria, heightened concerns emerge over potential forest fire risks and the serious health threats posed by the oppressive heat.
Greece, amid the furnace-like conditions, suffered heavily from wildfires this season, experiencing significant fires in various locales.
A devastating fire tore through regions south of Athens on Thursday, necessitating evacuation orders and the closure of key roads along the coast to Sounion, where the ancient Temple of Poseidon stands as a major tourist attraction.
Firefighters in France have responded to early seasonal blazes, while heatwave alerts have been activated across 84 administrative regions out of 101 starting today until later in the week.
The deadly nature of extreme heat was highlighted in 2023 when Europe's record-breaking heatwave resulted in 61,000 deaths. William Spencer from the British Red Cross, specialising in climate and first aid, commented: "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."
As the mercury begins to climb at an accelerating rate, the new early warning system has been rolled out. Forecaster.health stands as the inaugural pan-European platform open to the public; it calculates the actual mortality risks associated with various temperature levels for different groups of people.
Those planning to jet off on vacation and worrying about the scorching conditions can now consult this tool to gauge potential health threats.
For anyone gearing up for a getaway in the near future, be sure to check the expected climatic conditions with an eye to packing and planning appropriately.
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