Europe heatwave: Brit tourists warned as mercury soars to 42C in Spain, Greece and Italy

British tourists are being warned as temperatures soar upwards of 40C in Meditteranean hotspots including Spain, Greece and Italy.

For those setting off at the start of the summer holidays to southern Europe, several countries have issued warnings of blisteringly high temperatures over the coming days, particularly in Spain, Greece and Italy. Temperatures are expected to hit 42C in several areas as the record-breaking European heatwave continues to ravage the continent, according to the latest weather maps.

There has been no let up in temperatures which brought many countries to a standstill last week. In Spain, the national weather service said thermometers could have reached 44C in the southern Guadalquivir river basin, while in Greece, several municipalities made air-con spaces available to the public. 

The Greeks also banned certain forms of outdoor work, particularly manual labour, deliveries and construction during the hottest times of day.

Meanwhile, Rome’s zoo planned to make ice lollies for animals as temperatures were expected to reach 38C. While visiting Rome, Carmen Diaz, a tourist from Madrid said: “It’s hellishly hot. “These fans help a little too, but it’s really hot.”

Last Tuesday, 12 cities were placed under the most severe heat warning.

In Croatia, Dubrovnik recorded its highest ever temperatures of 30C, while the Serbian state power company reported a record consumption on Tuesday due to the use of air conditioning. North Macedonia, along with southern Italy, has been tackling wildfires. The government has declared a month-long state crisis, due to the fact that 200 wildfires have been raging in North Macedonia since the start of July. 

In Albania, a 72-year-old man was found dead at his farm in Memalij, where temps were expected to hit 42C. While the cause of death has not been confirmed, it is expected to be due to heat. In the capital or Tirana, the streets and cafes were almost empty, while those that were out protected themselves from the sun with umbrellas. 

There will be no let up this week, as temperatures are expected to reach 41 or 42C in areas including Seville, Badajoz and Castelo Branco. Temperatures of 38C are also expected around the Catalan Pyrenees in the north and Cadiz in the south. 

According to Aemet, the weather warning in the Estremadura, with maximum temperatures of 42C could pose a “Significant risk”. In Madrid, maximum temperatures are expected to be 40C on Wednesday. 

According to Meteoalarm, orange warnings have been issued in Vegas del Guadiana & La Siberia extremena. The website says: “Be prepared. Take precautions and keep up to date with the latest weather forecast. Severe damages to people and properties may occur, especially to those vulnerable or in exposed areas.”

The orange warnings are expected to spread across the west coast, and eastward toward Madrid and Granada. By Wednesday, orange warnings are to cover much of Spain, to Valencia and in Catalonia, including Zaragoza and Lleida. 

Meanwhile in Greece, Meteoalarm has in place orange warnings for much of the east coast of the mainland, including Athens, Thessaloniki and East Peloponnisos, as well as Crete, the Dodecanese and North East Aegean islands. The warnings remain in place for the islands and Crete on Tuesday. 

Hnms Forecaster said that temperatures are likely to hit 42C in the South Euboean Gulf and Larissa and 40C nearby Athens. It said: “The Southwest current that prevails in the lower levels of the atmosphere on the coasts of Africa and the Central Mediterranean will transport warm air masses to our region and cause very high temperatures in our country…”

“The very high temperatures with maximum values ​​locally above 40 degrees Celsius will be maintained in our country until Monday (22-7-2024). From Tuesday there will be a gradual decline in temperature, both in terms of maximum and minimum values, which will be felt by the middle of next week in most areas.”

Finally, in Italy, Meteoalarm has in place a red warning for Sicily on Monday, with a warning of “extreme weather events expected”. 

Taking data from the  Italian Air Force National Meteorological Service, it said: ““TAKE precautionary ACTION, remain vigilant and act on advice given by authorities. Keep up to date with the latest weather forecast, and expect significant disruption to daily routines. Only travel if your journey is essential.”

Orange warnings will remain in place through Monday and Tuesday in southern Italy. There are also orange warnings for thunderstorms across much of southern Europe later this week as temperatures break.