Spain, Italy and Greece are set for a sizzling heatwave over the coming days, new weather maps reveal. This Thursday, July 4, will see parts of Spain, especially Seville and areas between Cordoba and Jaen and near the Portugal border, reaching sweltering heights of over 40C.
Travellers holidaying in Italy and Greece can expect their thermometers to reach the 40C mark a little bit later, on Tuesday, July 16. The worst-hit areas will likely be around the Italian city of Bari and the neighbouring regions around Catania, and Larissa in Greece, where temperatures are forecasted to peak at 39C. Near the border with Macedonia, however, officials predict the mercury could soar to 40C.
"Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and getting worse because of climate change," warns William Spencer, climate and first aid product manager at the British Red Cross. "Sadly, we have seen cases already this year of the tragic impact high temperatures can have on human life. "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."