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Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Europe's 'hottest city' is a tourist hotspot but could be a desert in 30 years
Seville is a popular tourist destination in Europe and is famous for its hot weather - but it could be set to become a desert in the next few decades One of Europe's "hottest cities" is a major tourist hotspot, but recent scorching temperatures have left some scientists worried. Sunny Seville is celebrated for its stunning architecture, pulsating nightlife, and, not least, its glorious weather. With an enviable average of 12 hours of sunshine a day and pleasant temperatures around 21C in March, the Spanish city offers the perfect city break escape while England endures often drearier climes. Come summer, however, the story changes dramatically. The city faces blistering heatwaves with mercury levels that can soar to a staggering 45C, often proving too much for many tourists. In recent times, soaring temperatures have raised alarm bells among climate scientists who fear Seville could be on the brink of becoming a desert, dubbing it the "Iberian oven". Nestled at the base of nearby mountains, Seville's landlocked position means it receives hot winds from Africa, which sweep across its plains. Weather experts are issuing stark warnings, suggesting we are "walking into unknown territory... the city is turning into a desert." The peak of the scorching heat typically arrives towards the end of July and into August, although this can vary depending on wind patterns. Adventurous souls keen to explore this vibrant metropolis must heed the risks, particularly during the torrid summers when threats of heatstroke and dehydration are ever-present. August 2023 witnessed the mercury hitting an astounding 40C, with temperatures consistently sizzling in the high 30s throughout the season. Travel enthusiast Huw Owen recommends spring and autumn getaways for their gentler weather, but reminds summer tourists to find shade from midday until 7 pm and enjoy the cooler evenings. Seville's breath-taking Cathedral and Alcazar Royal Palace serve as idyllic sanctuaries from the intense Spanish sun, allowing guests to explore without overexposure. The British Red Cross has come forward with essential guidance for Britons embarking on sunny escapades this year. Dr Ellie Murtagh from the charity has offered invaluable advice: "If you are travelling to a country experiencing extreme heat, there are several steps you can take to keep yourself and others safe. This includes wearing sunscreen, staying out of the sun during the warmest hours of the day, drinking plenty of water and drinking less alcohol. You can also help keep wherever you're staying cool by keeping blinds and windows closed." It's crucial to acknowledge that extreme heat brings significant health risks, particularly for the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic conditions, so stay cautious and care for one another.
South Wales Argus
19-06-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Monmouthshire taking longer to respond to noise complaints
Responses and closure rates for fly tipping, littering and dog fouling deteriorated even though there was an overall reduction in the number of incidents reported to Monmouthshire County Council in 2024/25. The number of complaints dropped from 619 in 2023/24 to 542 but the number dealt with within three working days dropped from 525, or 84.8 per cent, to just 383, or 70.7 per cent, last year. The number of cases closed within three months also fell from 440, 71.1 per cent, to 316 which was only 58.3 per cent. Principal environmental health officer Huw Owen blamed 'time constraints and ever increasing demands on the service and requests' when the annual public protection report was presented to the overview and scrutiny committee. He said the department, which includes environmental health, trading standards and licensing, deals with around 2,500 service requests a year which he said was 'about a 34 per cent increase since 2019.' Figures show the council received 370 noise complaints during 2024/25 and responded to 237 within three working days which was 64.1 per cent and that was below 74 per cent responded to within the same time period the previous year when the council dealt with 385 complaints. Fewer cases were also closed within months in 2024/25 with just 47.6 per cent done so compared to 219, or 56.9 per cent, the previous year. READ MORE: Other statutory nuisances, excluding noise complaints, also suffered from reduced performance despite a slight increase in the number of reports from 153 in 2023/24 to 158 last year. Of those 111, or 70 per cent, were responded to within three working days, down from 79.7 per cent the previous year, and 89, or 56.3 per cent, closed within three months which was also down on the 60.8 per cent the previous year. Public protection has an annual budget of £1.9 million and reported a £185,647 underspend in 2024/25 largely due to a decision not to fill the head of service post following the retirement of David Jones in September 2024, delays in appointing to vacant posts and it having generated more income than projected. In addition to the underspend the service also transferred £92,279 generated in previous years through the Proceeds of Crime Act to the council's main account to support its overall financial position. Jane Rogers, strategic director for social services who now has responsibility for public protection, said the decision not to fill the head of service post is being monitored and will be considered as part of a wider review of the authority's senior leadership team.
