In France, it prompted schools and the top of the Eiffel Tower to close, while outdoor working was temporarily banned in parts of Italy, wildfires suspended flights at a busy Turkish airport and a landslide closed a major cross-border railway line between France and Italy.
Intrepid is no longer operating its most active trips in Spain and Portugal during July and August, instead adding more departures in spring and early autumn for southern Europe trips.
square SIMON KELNER I have just got back from France – the heat is making holidays in Europe impossible
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Europe is the fastest-warming continent, according to the World Meteorological Organization, and is now experiencing “serious impacts” from extreme weather.
While it’s worth keeping up-to-date with local weather and news in European holiday destinations, these are the extreme weather events to prepare for.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that extreme heat is becoming the new normal, warning that planet is becoming “more dangerous.”
Temperatures have exceeded 40°C in parts of Spain recently (Photo: Carlos Ciudad Photography/Getty Images)
The Safer Tourism Foundation study warned that most travellers do not understand the difference between heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which could delay critical medical treatment.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Symptoms include confusion, hot dry skin and body temperatures over 40°C.
Applying a high SPF sun cream, or ideally seeking shade, is advisable, as is carrying a refillable bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
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However, you are unlikely to be able to cancel a trip because of a heatwave without forfeiting the cost, unless there is official advice not to travel to the destination. Check with your travel provider first.
Keep up-to-date with service providers via their websites or social media accounts.
Drought
If conditions persist, holidaymakers could face water restrictions, such as public beach showers, golf courses and hosepipes.
Drought could prompt water restrictions for public services such as beach showers (Photo: Luis Diaz Devesa/Getty Images)
These are common in summer, but becoming more dangerous, frequent and widespread, as demonstrated by the July 2023 wildfires on Rhodes. Thousands of holidaymakers on the Greek island were evacuated from their hotels and repatriated to the UK by tour operators as high winds fanned the flames.
The Global Wildfire Information System tracks outbreaks on a map, and also forecasts fire danger: gwis.jrc.ec.europa.eu.
During an outbreak, comply with official advice from local authorities, emergency services and fire departments. Monitor air quality, particularly if you suffer from respiratory problems – it could be worth packing FFP3 grade face masks.
Wildfires are becoming more frequent and dangerous (Photo: Beata Whitehead/Getty Images)
Thunderstorms
These can play havoc with airspace, forcing late-notice restrictions that can delay and cancel flights. In May this year, nearly half a million journeys were disrupted in European airspace as a result of adverse weather. Last year, weather caused more than a third of en-route flight delays in Europe.
If your flight is disrupted by weather, you are normally entitled to rerouting at the earliest opportunity – as well as food and drink depending on the length of the delay – or a full refund in the event of a cancellation. Compensation due to weather disruption is unlikely.
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Further heavy rain and thunderstorms caused by hot and humid air could see similar events taking place across Europe. Last October, the flash floods in Valencia hit the Spanish railway network and proved deadly for more than 220 people in the region.
Consider that you may have to move accommodation, change travel arrangements at short notice due to delays or cancellations, seek medical treatment, or replace lost or damaged possessions.
Hurricanes
Storms can make sea swimming dangerous (Photo: 35007/Getty Images)Aircraft can fly over a hurricane but it is not advisable; instead they are often rerouted, which can take longer, or delayed to avoid the storm. Airports in affected areas can also be closed.
Hurricanes can also cause flooding, storm surges and rip tides on fair weather days. Pay attention to beach warning flags and lifeguard advice.
If you are in or due to travel to an area affected by a storm, the National Hurricane Centre has up-to-date tracking and advisories: nhc.noaa.gov
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