Global warming is undeniably real, and our planet is heating up continuously, resulting in the extreme temperatures we’re experiencing this year.
Many popular holiday destinations are set to transform into literal hot zones over the next few weeks. According to Metro, it might be time to start worrying about our blue planet.
Summers are getting increasingly hotter, making international travel potentially less appealing. Despite the cooling relief of the sea, beach stays are becoming less enjoyable as temperatures soar to unprecedented levels.
High air temperatures are also responsible for natural disasters. Several countries are suffering from severe droughts, while others are battling destructive wildfires. Tourists can expect an intense heatwave sweeping through vacation spots across southern Europe.
Travelers heading to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco this week should brace for extreme heat, with temperatures reaching up to 46°C.
Thermometers have already hit 44°C in southern and eastern parts of the continent, leading to fires in Greece, Portugal, Bulgaria, and now Spain.
Authorities are advising people to stay indoors to avoid the excessive heat. The worst-affected areas are expected to be Turkey, Greece, and Italy, where the hot air from the Sahara Desert in North Africa is exacerbating the situation.
If you’re planning a trip to Portugal, be extremely cautious. This popular destination has also been struck by fires due to the heat. The local meteorological institute IPMA has issued heat warnings. In parts of Cascais, about 30 kilometers from Lisbon, residents had to be evacuated as temperatures soared to 37°C.
Spain, another tourist favorite, is experiencing similar conditions. Bloomberg reported record-breaking temperatures in some areas. In the Mediterranean region, warnings about wildfires persist. The city of Huelva hit a historic high of 45.6°C on Wednesday. The weather could worsen, and local authorities are urging caution due to fire risks.
Though temperatures are forecasted to drop below 30°C this week, next week promises even more extreme heat. For instance, Málaga is expected to reach 44°C on August 1. Greece is also facing high temperatures, with Athens, Thessaloniki, and the resort of Zakynthos nearing 40°C, as reported by EMY. Wildfires are also a significant concern here.
Turkey is not spared either. According to the state meteorological website, temperatures will soar to 40°C by the end of the month. The hottest cities will include Antalya, Kemer, Marmaris, Side, and Belek, all of which are under heat warnings. Italy is similarly affected, with Sicily experiencing consecutive days of 30°C temperatures, according to Italia Meteo.
These conditions are a stark reminder of the impact of global warming, and it’s crucial for travelers to stay informed and take necessary precautions during their trips.