logo
Europe's killer heatwave kills one as holidaying Brits warned 'stay inside'

Europe's killer heatwave kills one as holidaying Brits warned 'stay inside'

Daily Mirror5 days ago
A brutal 'heat dome' has brought roasting temperatures to the continent, with at least one person dying from heatstroke in Spain, as well as wildfires raging across the Greek islands and road surfaces beginning to melt in Italy
Brits venturing to Europe in the coming weeks are being warned to prepare for scorching temperatures as the heatwave claims at least one life.
Temperatures across holiday hotspots loved by Brits are edging dangerously high, with health and heat warnings in place in several countries.

Authorities in Karpathos, Greece are investigating the disappearance of a British tourist. According to local Greek publications, the 60-year-old has been missing since Friday, when his car was found locked. Police and firefighters are searching the area for him, with special forces due to join the hunt today.

In Barcelona, a woman has lost her life, allegedly after spending a gruelling shift cleaning the streets of the Spanish city. According to the newspaper El País, the cleaner was working in the Raval neighborhood of Ciutat Vella during the heat of the day. She spent eight hours outside, enduring temperatures above 30°C, according to Aemet.
Have you been affected by the intense heat? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
The heat dome over Europe is no joke, with another tourist already succumbing to heatstroke in Majorca. The sweltering front has surged up from Africa and looks set to push temperatures even higher. The 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 sound appealing, such extreme temperatures can be incredibly dangerous.
Portugal has advised people 'not to go out' during the hottest hours, as the risk of heat strokes and burns increases as the heatwave takes hold. A high of 46.6C was recorded in the town of Mora on Sunday.

Southern Spain, around Seville, was forecasted 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 ever recorded in the country.
Spain is sizzling under the hottest day of a heatwave that kicked off last Saturday, smashing June records with a scorching 46 degrees in El Granado down south. A sweltering Saharan air mass is cranking up the mercury to "abnormally high and persistent levels, both day and night, which could pose a risk to people," according to the State Meteorological Agency's stark warning.
Meanwhile, UK health chiefs have slapped an amber heat alert on Tuesday for swathes of the country including London, the East Midlands, South East, South West, and East of England. The UK Health Security Agency has sounded the alarm over blistering temperatures threatening the wellbeing of kids, the elderly, and those with underlying health issues.

The agency cautions about "a rise in deaths, particularly among those ages 65 and over or with health conditions. There may also be impacts on younger age groups."
"Extreme heat is no longer a rare event — it has become the new normal," declared U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres via Twitter from Seville, Spain, where the mercury was projected to soar to a blistering 42 Celsius by Monday afternoon.

Echoing his oft-repeated plea for dramatic measures to curb climate change, Guterres proclaimed: "The planet is getting hotter & more dangerous — no country is immune."
The extreme heat poses a significant threat to life. In 2023, a record-breaking heatwave in Europe claimed 61,000 lives. According to William Spencer, climate and first aid product manager at the British Red Cross, "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 mercury levels soar, the newly launched early warning system, Forecaster.health, is set to be a game-changer. This pioneering pan-European platform offers real-time predictions on the mortality risks associated with temperature changes, tailored for various demographics.
Holidaymakers worried about the scorching weather can now assess their personal health risks before jetting off. Before you pack your bags for that much-needed getaway, be sure to check the weather forecast to stay ahead of any potential heat hazards.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Dodge rip-off resorts and unearth bargain holiday spots with our interactive map
Dodge rip-off resorts and unearth bargain holiday spots with our interactive map

Daily Mirror

time3 hours ago

  • Daily Mirror

Dodge rip-off resorts and unearth bargain holiday spots with our interactive map

The pound has strengthened against most currencies in the last year, giving families more spending power if they're heading overseas. Make sure you're heading to one that offers good deals The world's biggest rip-off destinations and those bucketlist spots perfect for a bargain break have been revealed. When it comes to holidays, nothing sours the poolside mojito quicker than the feeling that your cash is disappearing too quickly. Thankfully, the Post Office has looked into where in the world the British pound delivers the most value for money this year. We've put the biggest bargain cities and outrageous rip-offs resorts on an interactive map, so you can book armed with all of the facts. If you're looking for the most bang for your buck, then head to the Algarve. The Portugese coastal resort is a huge favourite with Brits, who take advantage of cheap, regular flights from across the UK to flock to the southern region en-masse each summer. It's basket of holiday goodies cost £58.95, 1.6 per cent less than in 2024. This is due to the rock-bottom cost of meals and drinks. The average cost of a three-course meal for two with wine in Albufeira weighed in at £40.33 – the lowest recorded across the 47 destinations surveyed (figure 9) and one third the cost in New York (£128.27). The Algarve is one of 19 resorts or cities that got cheaper this year than last, according to Post Office research. Others to do so include Delhi, India; Phuket, Thailand; Spain's Costa del Sol and Prague in the Czech Republic. If you're keen to stay in Europe, then Prague is a good bet. Far more than just stag-dos and strip clubs, the former Soviet city is enriched by a huge amount of history, art, and music. The Czech capital's basket of holiday goods cost £75.92 this year, a significant price fall of over 20 per cent compared to 2024. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the biggest deals can be found a little further away from the UK, although bargain-hungry holidaymakers will have to factor in the cost of getting to these destinations when choosing where to go. Cape Town in South Africa is the second cheapest destination looked at this year, with a basket of essentials costing £59.84. This is a great destination for Southern Hemisphere wine buffs as a glass of grape costs just £2.07; a fifth of the price it'll set you back in New York. Japan's capital city, Tokyo, has been massively popular with Brits over the past year, thanks to the very favourable exchange rate. A glass of wine and a bottle of beer can be purchased there for the equivalent of just over a fiver. One destination to keep an eye on is Delhi. At £69.52, prices in the Indian city have dropped 10.7 per cent. Although alcohol prices there are a little on the steep side, soft drinks, water and food won't lighten your wallet too much. At the other end of the scale, New York is the most expensive of 47 destinations surveyed, with a barometer total of £167.85 - a rise of 15.6 per cent year-on-year. Not only will you have to spend upwards of £7 for a beer in the Big Apple, you'll be expected to tip generously on top of that. The eye-watering continues in Hawaii, the second most expensive destination on the list and the home of £9.18 insect repellent, and in Nice, France. Head to the French city, and you'll find yourself being stingy with the suncream, as a bottle costs close to £17. While the world has been in turmoil since Donald Trump returned to the White House (and perhaps was before), sterling remains strong against many other currencies. Over three-quarters of Post Office's top 30 currencies – including the euro and most other European currencies – have weakened since last March. This could provide holidaymakers with a big incentive to choose destinations where sterling will provide more 'bang for their buck. Appetite for traveling remains high and is growing. Three-in-five (60 per cent) of Brits surveyed about their holiday plans for the coming year told Post Office Travel Money that they will be travelling abroad – up from 51 per cent who were asked the same question a year ago. Almost three-quarters (73 per cent) of them will holiday in Europe and most (95 per cent) will be making a repeat journey to a European destination. Although a big majority are planning to get away this year, most share a desire to keep things as cheap and cheerful as possible. Travelling away from busy periods is regarded as the best way to make travelling abroad more affordable, with two-in-five holidaymakers prepared to swap peak season travel for cheaper times of the year. More than a quarter of those questioned say they will book cheaper accommodation (27 per cent), take fewer holidays (27 per cent) or go to a destination that costs less (26 per cent).

EU beach crowned 'world's best' loved by huge actor is just 3hrs from UK
EU beach crowned 'world's best' loved by huge actor is just 3hrs from UK

Daily Mirror

time3 hours ago

  • Daily Mirror

EU beach crowned 'world's best' loved by huge actor is just 3hrs from UK

This stunning white-sand beach could easily compete with the likes of the Maldives, but is less than three hours away from the UK. However, staying nearby might just break the bank With sand as white as sugar, it's no surprise this beautiful beach has become somewhat of a celeb magnet. Majorca might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of tranquility and exclusiveness. Known for its party-mad resorts like Magaluf, the Spanish island has long been popular with Brits wanting to drink themselves silly and dance the night away. But, away from the carnage and non-stop nightclubs, lies the majestic Blue Flag beach of Playa de Formentor. Considered to be one of the best slices of coast in the Balearics, this 1-kilometer long stretch of sand is the perfect place to kick back and relax. Enveloped by lush pine trees, rugged cliffs, and breathtaking views of the Tramuntana mountains - Playa de Formentor boasts bone-white sands and crystal clear waters. In fact, it is often compared to the tropical delights of Thailand, or the Maldives - but is much closer to home. The beach is located in front of the luxury Four Seasons, a five-star hotel famed for its A-list clientele. Previous visitors include Winston Churchill, Audrey Hepburn, and more recently, Pretty Woman star Richard Gere. According to Majorca Daily Bulletin, the Four Seasons has recently undergone a £300 million investment to restore its historic architecture and cultural heritage ."State-of-the-art services have also been added, including a spa, gourmet restaurants and exclusive suites equipped to ensure maximum relaxation," the publication states. If you're not willing to splash out on more than £1,000 per night - you don't need to stay at the Four Seasons to visit the beach. If you're hiring a car, you can stay in the nearby car park, which charges up to €15 in the summer months - or get the bus via Port Pollensa for a cheaper day trip. The beach, which is divided into three sections, charges tourists for lounge chairs and umbrellas - and it can get crowded due to its small size. However, there are two restaurants on the beach and water activities for hire - meaning you can easily spend a full day here. "The water is shallow and there are rarely waves here, which is nice for small children," hails abc Majorca. "Some areas of the beach can get rocky but otherwise, it's easily accessible so people of all ages enjoy this beach... There are a couple of small souvenir shops as well." The nearest airport to Formentor is Palma de Mallorca, which is just two and a half hours from the UK. You can fly directly from a slew of major UK airports including Newcastle, Manchester, Leeds, London, Bristol, and Glasgow. If you're flexible with dates, you can grab return fares in July for as little as £29. Once you've touched down in Spain, you'll have to drive 79km over to Formentor, which takes around one hour and 18 minutes. Staying in Formentor doesn't come cheap, as the Four Seasons resort is the only hotel in the area. A week's stay (Monday, July 21-28) in a Pine View room will set you back a staggering £16,872. However, if you're willing to stay a bit further out, you can grab a more reasonably priced room. For example, staying at the Prinsotel Mal Pas - an adults-only resort - on the exact same nights will cost £1,383. This four-star hotel is located 4.5 miles from Formentor, in Alcudia. *Prices based on Skyscanner and listings at the time of writing.

Horrifying cult massacre site where 900 people died becomes dark tourist hotspot
Horrifying cult massacre site where 900 people died becomes dark tourist hotspot

Daily Mirror

time6 hours ago

  • Daily Mirror

Horrifying cult massacre site where 900 people died becomes dark tourist hotspot

The site of the Jonestown cult massacre, where more than 900 people died, has opened to tourists in the latest dark tourism trend - but it has been met with backlash The location of a harrowing cult massacre, where over 900 lives were lost, has now been unveiled as a tourist spot. Wanderlust Adventures GY is offering tours to the Jonestown massacre site within a $750 (£550) package deal, asserting their goal is to enlighten visitors about "the dangers of manipulation, unchecked authority". Survivors have slammed the venture as "a money grab", while some locals are distancing themselves from the dark past, choosing to leave it out of their history. ‌ The infamous site in Guyana was the scene of one of the most lethal cult disasters on November 18, 1978. After years of deliberation over how to address the Jonestown legacy, Guyana has begun welcoming tourists to the site where the cult tragedy unfolded. ‌ Abandoned Spanish village near Madrid is now a haven for dark tourists However, this decision has sparked controversy, reports the Daily Star. Kit Nascimento, 93, who served as a government spokesman for Guyana during the time of the massacre, has voiced his disapproval. He remarked that reopening the sites merely revives an image that had been diminishing and referred to the massacre as an American calamity that just happened to take place on Guyanese land. "It's of no consequence whatsoever to the current population," he commented. "And I don't think we have a particular responsibility to teach the world about cults." John Cobb, a survivor of the appalling event, has condemned the tourist attraction as "a money grab to capitalise on a tragedy." The 66-year-old tragically lost a staggering 11 family members to the cult, including his mother and five siblings. In 1977, Mr Jones, along with hundreds of followers, relocated to Guyana to establish what he touted as a self-sustaining, interracial community. Cult entrants were obliged to surrender their life savings, passports, and belongings, and worked gruelling 12-hour days. ‌ Following allegations of physical abuse and financial fraud by relatives of cult members, the US launched a legal probe into Mr Jones and his cult, known as the Peoples Temple. In 1978, after several members tried to defect, Mr Jones orchestrated a shooting that claimed the lives of three journalists, a Peoples Temple member, and Mr Ryan, a California congressman who was investigating Jonestown following reports of abuse from relatives of cult members. Anticipating the downfall of Jonestown after the congressman's death, Mr Jones arranged a mass suicide. Under the watchful eyes of armed guards, Mr Jones commanded his followers to drink spiked punch. Some cult members were even forcibly injected. ‌ Roselyn Sewcharran, the company's owner, insists that the aim of the tourist attraction is not to sensationalise but to educate visitors about "the dangers of manipulation, unchecked authority and the circumstances that led to this devastating event." She said: "I've always been curious about social issues and their impact. "There genuinely was a desire to learn more about this significant chapter of our past." Despite facing criticism, some contend there's a double standard in our view of "dark tourist locations", pointing out that tourists regularly visit sites like Auschwitz and the Colosseum.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store