Experts have warned that the “tragic” consequences of heatwaves could continue into the summer as the extreme heat surging across Europe turns deadly for some tourists
Brit holiday hotspots have been placed on high alert as a heatwave sweeps across Europe, sending temperatures into the extremes and, in some places, sparking wildfires.
Horror footage from popular destinations like Kos and Chios in Greece shows some of the island nation’s most beautiful vistas cloaked in a grey haze as fires surge across the coastline. Greek firefighters have worked around the clock to beat back the flames, having successfully doused several, but the severe weather means they have kept coming.
As more tourists are told to evacuate Greek resorts, others in Spain have come under different warnings, with 46C temperatures proving “unbearable” for some visitors. Three Spanish regions are now on yellow alert for heat, according to MeteoAlarm, with the British Red Cross telling people travelling to exceptionally hot nations to “avoid activities in the middle of the day”.
MeteoAlarm has warned people to “be aware” and “keep up to date with the latest weather forecast” as it predicts “moderate” effects on people and buildings in La Mancha albaceteña, Bajo Aragón de Teruel and Ribera del Ebro de Zaragoza. Italy is also experiencing extreme high temperatures, with four regions on orange alert, and five on yellow.
The forecasters have issued orange alerts for Sardinia, Sicily, Basilicata and Puglia, where people have been warned to “be prepared” for the impact of intense heat. The service told people to “take precautions and keep up to date with the latest weather forecast” and “expect some disruption to daily routines”.
The Red Cross has warned that the unrelenting heat could have serious ramifications for some Britons, many of whom will struggle to cope with the increasingly frequent heatwaves. Several tourists have already died from the heat while on holiday in Greece, including one American in Corfu, and a Dutch national in Samons.
William Spencer, climate and first aid product manager at the organisation, noted the “tragic impact high temperatures can have on human life”, adding the weather can “make it harder for the body to cool itself”. He advised tourists planning to go to hot countries this summer to “plan ahead for the effects of heat on their trip” by “making sure they know how to recognise the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke” and avoiding activities during the middle of the day.
Mr Spencer added: “Other safety tips include wearing sunscreen, drinking plenty of water and drinking less alcohol. You can also help keep wherever you’re staying cool by keeping blinds and windows closed during the hottest parts of the day.”