Europe is currently experiencing record high temperatures, with several deaths from heatstroke on the continent, heat health warnings in some countries, and wildfires expected or already occurring in others.
Tourists are being warned to exercise caution when travelling to Greece, Italy, Spain and several other popular EU destinations to avoid possible serious health risks posed by extreme heat, Schengen News reported.
Temperatures rose to as high as 40°C in some of the most popular tourist destinations.
Several tourists have been reported missing on the Greek mainland and islands, with some said to have died from the heat as temperatures reached 43°C in parts of the country, with extremely hot conditions occurring on the islands of Crete, Rhodes and Samos.
Italian authorities have issued a heat alert – the highest of Europe’s three levels – for all of Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria and Sicily.
In Spain, orange level thunderstorm and heavy rain warnings were issued for parts of southeastern Aragon and areas in central and northern Valencia.
Across Europe, tourists are advised to dispose of rubbish properly, especially glass (glass bottles and pieces of glass left outside can act as lenses that concentrate the sun’s rays and start a fire) and to properly extinguish cigarettes to avoid accidentally starting a wildfire.
During such extreme weather conditions, travellers are advised to follow advice issued by local authorities and take all precautions to stay safe.
Scientists say the heat is being caused by climate change and the El Niño weather phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean, and that the heatwaves in Europe are set to continue.
