Amidst warnings, wildfires, and evacuations.
American travelers are flocking to Europe this summer. According to a study by travel insurance provider Allianz Partners, 55% more holidaymakers from the U.S. will take the journey compared to last year. Inflation, strikes, and flight disruptions haven’t discouraged intrepid travelers, but some—especially Brits—are reconsidering their plans. Europe is scorching and the relentless heat is expected to bake the southern part of the continent for the rest of the month.
Alarm bells are ringing around the world as the hottest week ever was recorded from July 3-10. The U.S. is also experiencing high temperatures and more than 85 million people are living in areas with heat alerts. Houston, Texas, confirmed its first heat-related death. And it’s only expected to get worse as the climate pattern El Niño takes hold, which typically causes increased rainfall in the southern U.S., central Asia, the Horn of Africa, and southern South America, while also causing severe droughts in parts of Asia and Australia.
“We are in uncharted territory,” warned Christopher Hewitt, the director of climate at the World Meteorological Organization.
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Europe is heating twice as fast as any other continent. Last year was the hottest for the continent on record; more than 61,000 people died due to heat-related illnesses during the summer period. This year, another record may break. For travelers, it means considering the risks and disappointments when planning their holidays—this year and next.
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Heatwaves are deadly—they can cause heat strokes, heat exhaustion, and even contribute to strokes. The elderly, children, and people who work outdoors in blistering heat are most vulnerable to heat illnesses. Plenty of cities in Europe are on alert, while many attractions are closed. People are also advised to stay out of the sun during the hottest times in the day, which means spending a whole chunk of your holiday indoors. Wildfires are also leading to evacuations in Spain, Greece, and Switzerland.
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It might not be a bad idea to look into your travel insurance and see if you can postpone your trip without a large cancellation fee. If your plans are flexible, choose cooler parts of the continent, where temperatures are bearable and wildfires aren’t ravaging homes. Confirm that your accommodation has cooling and be more cautious if you have chronic conditions—children and the elderly should especially take precautions. Keep yourself hydrated, avoid caffeine and alcohol, take breaks, and stay updated on local alerts.
Spain
More than 4,000 people have been evacuated from La Palma in the Canary Islands where a wildfire is raging. Over 4,500 hectares have been destroyed, along with at least a dozen homes. Neighboring islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife are also at risk. The Red Cross has advised people who live near wildfires to stay indoors and keep their windows closed.
The temperature in Spain reached 44 C (111.2 F) this month and even at night, the country is witnessing above normal temperatures of 25 C (77 F). Like the other parts of southern Europe, heat is making it uncomfortable to sleep at night in Spain and most of the country is under alert.
If you have a trip planned to Spain, avoid the Canary Islands and keep updated with latest advisory about wildfires and heatwaves.
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Greece
Multiple wildfires just outside Athens have led to major evacuations. Locals and tourists have fled seaside towns; 1,200 children were evacuated from a summer camp in Loutraki. Meanwhile, the temperature is soaring with mercury crossing 40 C (104 F).
Greece closed the Acropolis last weekend due to the brutal heat. Water bottles were handed out and visitors who suffered from heat exhaustion were treated by paramedics. The popular tourist attraction will now be closed in the afternoons. Meanwhile, a ban on construction work came into effect during the hottest hours in the day and employees are encouraged to work remotely.
Italy
Italy has issued an extreme high risk alert for 16 cities, including Rome, Florence, and Bologna, and the second-highest heat warning for nine other cities. People are being advised to stay away from direct sunlight between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., and even the healthy should take care during this prolonged heatwave.
Sicily and Sardinia may cross 48 C (118.4 F) this summer, the highest ever recorded in Europe. Sicily experienced the record-breaking temperature in 2021. The high temperatures will continue for weeks, and August will be hot, too.
Germany and France are also melting, while Switzerland is fighting wildfires in the Valais region in the south.
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