Brutal European heatwave turns maps dark red as holiday spots could hit 43C

Chris Samuel & Ketsuda Phoutinane
·2-min read
MADRID, SPAIN - AUGUST 08: High temperatures have continued in the Spanish capital Madrid, Spain on August 08, 2022. Madrid is the fourth city in the world with the most deaths from extreme heat, according to the study by 'Carbon Brief', a British organization dedicated to the study of climatic events. The Spanish State Meteorological Agency reports that 13 communities are on yellow alert due to high temperatures and strong winds, temperatures that reach almost 40ºC in various parts of the country. (Photo by Diego Radames/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
-Credit: (Image: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)


UK holidaymakers busy worshipping the sun on the continent could soon be toasting in 40C degree temperatures.

The mercury could break the 40C mark in holiday hotspots in Spain and Italy this week. On Thursday July 4, the hottest weather will sizzle southern Spain, with temperatures as high as 42C in the area around Seville, the capital city of Andalusia.

Meanwhile, tourists in the Algarve on Thursday will roast at 39C - a far cry from the 14C forecast Scots have been issued back home. The coasts will be cooler in Spain and Portugal, hitting the high 20s, with temperatures rising further inland. Above 40C weather will scorch the border of Portugal in the southwest where it meets Spain.

In Italy, Greece and Turkey, it won't be until Tuesday July 16 that the mercury breaks 40C. The area around Larissa, Greece, Foggia, Italy, and the northwestern border of Greece and Turkey are forecast to reach over 40C, with the Italian region potentially getting as hot as 43C.

The Express reports that the highest heat level alert, Level 3, has been issued in Rome, Perugia and Palermo. Locals and holidaymakers in Greece have been warned of extreme weather conditions and record-breaking temperatures ahead.

Temperatures in Spain could hit 42C on Thursday July 4
Temperatures in Spain could hit 42C on Thursday July 4 -Credit:WXCharts

Forecasters in Spain have also released alerts, with a yellow warning covering roasting temperatures in the Andalusia region. Meanwhile, alerts for storm, wind and temperature warnings have been issued in Turkey as wildfires break out from the heat.

William Spencer, climate and first aid product manager at the British Red Cross, said: "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.

The heat map in Italy, Greece and Turkey on Tuesday July 16
The heat map in Italy, Greece and Turkey on Tuesday July 16 -Credit:WXCharts

"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.”

"We would advise people to plan ahead for the effects of heat on their trip, making sure they know how to recognise the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. They should also avoid activities in the middle of the day when temperatures are highest."\

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