Spanish resorts issue 'extreme risk' warning amid punishing Cerberus heatwave
An extreme weather warning has been issued for Majorca with holidaymakers in the hotspot told to be careful and protect their health.
Temperatures in the Spanish region could reach up to 43C today, impacting popular resorts such as Alcudia and Port de Pollenca.
Spain’s state meteorological office, Aemet, issued extreme risk warnings - the maximum alert level - for Majorca and parts of northern Spain on Tuesday, while yellow and amber alerts have been issued across most of the country.
The worst of the heat is due to be felt between 11am and 8pm local time today, before things cool a little on Wednesday.
Sweltering overnight highs above 36C have been recorded in the marina resort of Puerto Soller, according to the Majorca Daily Bulletin.
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The all-time European temperature record could tumble today (Sky News)The Foreign Office has issued warnings of extreme temperatures for both Spain and Greece, where wildfires have been raging.
The department said: “Extreme temperatures are currently affecting many areas of Spain. For severe weather warnings and updates, visit the Spanish Meteorological Office (AEMET) and European Meteorological Services website.
“For information on how to take care in the heat visit the NHS website or the website of the Spanish Ministry of Health (only available in Spanish). You should check with your travel provider before travelling and follow the advice of local authorities at all times.”
According to the NHS website, during a heatwave you should look out for signs of heat-related illness such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
Holidaymakers in Spain should stay hydrated, avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm and avoid exercise or other strenuous activities.
As the official UK advice stops short of warning against travel to these Mediterranean countries impacted by the fierce Cerberus heatwave, holidaymakers have no automatic right to curtail, cancel or change planned trips.
Under the Package Travel Regulations, holidaymakers can cancel for a refund “if unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occur at the place of destination or its immediate vicinity which significantly affect the performance of the package or the carriage of passengers to the destination”.
It will be simply too hot to hit the beach in some parts of southern Europe today (Getty Images/Westend61)While heatwaves generally get less coverage than other natural disasters, they can be very deadly.
One study found that 61,000 people died in the heatwave across Europe last year alone. It remains to be seen how many people lose their lives this summer.
Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO of The Advantage Travel Partnership, said that the hot temperatures were not having a big impact on bookings.
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"Despite the heatwave across Europe, the demand for travel is showing no sign of slowing down with thousands of Brits preparing for summer holidays as the schools break up," she said.
"Across the Advantage membership we have not seen cancellations as a result of the heatwave and we do not expect it to see travellers deciding not to travel due to the weather, particularly with the met office forecasting a month of rain for the UK.
"However, it remains essential for travellers visiting destinations with intense heat to stay safe and follow local guidance. We advise to stay hydrated, minimise the risk of sun burn by making sure sunscreen is continually applied, and avoid being outdoors during peak hours when the sun is at its strongest.
"For anyone looking to book a holiday abroad this summer and are concerned about the heatwave, we recommend contacting your local travel agent as they will be able to provide the latest information and advice as well as offering the best value deals."
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