Europe Heatwave: Should You Travel Amid Extreme Heat?

Europeans do enjoy a little heat, but the scorching Cerberus heatwave is pushing the limits.

Parts of Europe are forecast to see record-breaking temperatures in the coming days, posing potential dangers to travellers.

As the Mediterranean attracts hordes of tourists for the summer holiday season, the sweltering heat has caused widespread disruptions and raised serious health concerns across the continent.

To ensure that your vacation plans remain on track and to protect your well-being during these heat waves, it is crucial to stay hydrated and well-informed about the hottest spots and periods in Europe.

Current Heatwave Situation in Europe

The worst-hit regions in Europe are Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Croatia, and Turkey, where temperatures are predicted to soar, possibly reaching an unprecedented 50°C in some places.

The hot weather is set to continue for at least another week, especially in Greece and parts of Turkey.

It will ease slightly in countries across Western Europe, such as Spain and Portugal in the next few days, the Met Office said.

Safety Tips for Travellers

If you're planning to travel to Europe during this heatwave, it's essential to prioritise your safety and well-being. Here are some crucial safety tips to consider:

Stay Hydrated: Carry water with you at all times and ensure you drink regularly, even if you don't feel excessively thirsty.

Plan Wisely: Schedule outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings or late evenings.

Seek Shade: When outdoors, take advantage of shady spots to avoid direct exposure to the scorching sun.

Protective Clothing: Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-coloured clothing to help you stay cooler.

Use Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen with a high SPF regularly to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated with weather forecasts and heatwave warnings in the areas you plan to visit.

Respect Local Closures: Be understanding of any closures of tourist attractions or changes in working hours due to extreme weather conditions.

Know the Signs: Familiarise yourself with the signs of heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration, and seek immediate medical attention if you or someone else exhibits these symptoms.

Is it safe to travel?

Travelling in a heatwave could be uncomfortable and inconvenient, but it’s not impossible. However, there may be some disruptions for transport providers like trains and buses, as heat can affect tracks and roads. The heat that leads to summer storms can also shut down air travel.

Flights and holiday packages are continuing as normal, according to trade association ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents).

If you might be considered vulnerable, then it might be worth cancelling your trip to avoid the risk of overheating.

The Foreign Office recommended people check travel advice on its website.

You can change your holiday plans, but normal conditions apply including cancellation fees.

What are your thoughts on this issue? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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