The Cerberus heatwave has sent mercury soaring across southern Europe since last week, sending temperatures 40C or more in some parts of the continent.

With preliminary figures showing Earth’s average temperature set a new record high on July 13 for the third time in a week, this new wave of heat will continue to affect hikers. holidaymakers – especially those to Mediterranean countries like Spain, Italy and Greece – as well as locals.

The heat wave was caused by a combination of unusually high surface temperatures at sea and an area of ​​high pressure over the Mediterranean, along with the appearance of Saharan dust clouds in some areas.

Several European cities and towns have been put on alert as temperatures show no sign of abating, with the Charon heatwave sending temperatures in some destinations expected to exceed highs. last week’s maximum.

If you’re currently on vacation in Europe or preparing to depart, you may be wondering what you’ll encounter on the Channel. Here are the holiday hotspots that are literally predicted to hit their highest temperatures this week, along with tips on how best to avoid the sweltering heat while you travel.

Italy

Sardinia

This popular holiday destination off the west coast of Italy could see temperatures of up to 48 degrees Celsius this week (with a specific warning issued in Cagliari). This could see it come close to – or even most likely – the highest temperature ever recorded in Europe (48.8C). The highest temperatures are expected on Tuesday, July 18 across all regions, with a peak around 4pm.

Sicilian

The largest island in the Mediterranean was the site of Europe’s highest-ever temperature recorded in August 2021, taken at a measuring point in Syracuse. Warnings have been issued about temperatures that may also exceed 48C; there are extreme warnings for Catania, Palermo and Messina.

Roman

The Italian capital’s inland location means it often gets sweltering in the summer, with temperatures possibly hitting 43C this week; This will be higher than the city’s previous high of 40.5 degrees Celsius, recorded in 2007.

milan

While temperatures are expected to be slightly lower in the northern regions, Milan could reach as high as 36 degrees Celsius. A man died in Lodi, near Milan, last week in an incident reported supposedly due to the heat.

Bologna

Another inland destination that can get uncomfortably warm in the summer, Bologna could hit 40C this week. Along with Rome and Milan, it is one of 15 Italian cities that have issued extreme heat weather warnings: Florence, Frosinone, Campobasso, Messina, Perugia, Pescara, Rieti, Viterbo, Bari and Civitavecchia.

Spain

Seville

The Andalusian capital is the warmest city in mainland Europe during normal months and could see temperatures in excess of 40C this week. Andalusia has an extreme heat warning this week.

Madrid

Spain’s capital city suffers from sweltering summer temperatures due to its landlocked location and relatively high altitude. Temperatures there could also hit 40C this week.

Zaragoza and Murcia

Spain’s most severe warnings are in Zaragoza and Murcia, where temperatures could reach 44C and 42C respectively. sky news reported that, from Wednesday, Spain’s national weather agency expects “temperatures to drop with cool winds from the north and east”, excluding Andalusia.

Catalunya

Spain’s national weather agency warned of the risk of extreme heat in the areas around Girona and Lleida on Tuesday, with temperatures reaching 43C. Barcelona could see temperatures around 38C.

Balearic Islands

There are extreme heat warnings of up to 43C for parts of Mallorca, including central, north and northeast, on Tuesday.

Canary island

While the only warnings for the Canaries were temperatures in their 30s, firefighters battled the wildfires in La Palma over the weekend. More than 4,000 people have been evacuated from the area around El Pinar and Tijarafem in the northwest of the island.

Greek

Athens

Authorities in the Greek capital closed the Acropolis, the country’s most popular tourist attraction, for several hours each day on weekends. Temperatures hit 40C in some places and could do so again this week, with Tuesday predicted to be the hottest day.

Thessalonians

The northern Greek city could see temperatures higher than 38 degrees Celsius. Other areas with high forecasts include Patras and Nafplio, where temperatures could reach 39 degrees Celsius.

How can tourists stay safe in extreme heat?

The The NHS website has some advice to resist heat. Dehydration, overheating, heat exhaustion and heatstroke are the biggest concerns for travelers when mercury is high. Those most at risk include the elderly, people with chronic medical conditions, people taking many medications, or those who have difficulty keeping their composure, including young children.

The most important advice is to avoid the sun, especially during the hottest times of the day (this is usually mid to late afternoon in Europe, but can also be between 2pm and 5pm). pm) and when the sun is highest in Europe. sky (midday). The NHS recommends staying in the shade between 11am and 3pm.

It’s also important to stay hydrated, avoid caffeine and alcohol, and drink plenty of water (experts recommend drinking three liters a day in extreme heat). A cool shower can also help. It can also help keep your living space cool: close your windows during the day, open them at night, and use an electric fan or air conditioner if needed.

You should also know the common symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. These include fatigue, dizziness, feeling nauseous, headache, excessive sweating, rapid breathing, high temperature, and general weakness.