Southern Europe is in the throes of an unrelenting heatwave, with record temperatures across Italy, Spain and Greece. This extreme weather, combined with one of the busiest tourist seasons in recent years, raises questions for travelers looking to enjoy their vacation while staying safe. Here’s what you need to know if you’re heading to Europe in the next few days, or if you’ve already arrived.
Which parts of Europe are affected?
Italy, Spain and Greece are the countries most affected by the anticyclone, an area of high pressure originating from North Africa that is causing record heat. Temperatures in Sicily and Sardinia could reach 118 degrees Fahrenheit (nearly 48 degrees Celsius) later this week. Temperatures in northeastern Spain reached 115 degrees this week, while parts of central Greece reached 109 degrees. Hot, dry conditions have also exacerbated wildfires in Greece, Croatia, Switzerland and Spain’s Canary Islands, forcing thousands of people to evacuate.
How long will this heatwave last?
Forecasts say the heatwave will continue for at least another week, until the end of July. But this particular anticyclone, named Charon after the ferryman for the dead in Greek mythology, follows closely behind another anticyclone from the Sahara. (The dog was called Cerberus, after the three-headed dog that protects the underworld.)
Are these regions prepared for this kind of heat?
European cities are generally ill-equipped to cope with sustained extreme heat. Particularly in areas that are attractive to tourists, there are many older buildings and fewer buildings with air conditioning overall. According to a 2018 study, only one in 10 European households have air conditioning, compared to 90 percent in the United States. Some European countries have passed laws that significantly restrict the installation of air conditioners.
Some cities, like Paris, have tried to plant more trees and set up public cooling centers, but experts say these efforts are not enough. A report published last week in the journal Nature Medicine blamed last year’s heat wave for 61,000 excess deaths across the continent. Last week, a worker in northern Italy collapsed and died from exposure.
Is it safe to travel to Southern Europe?
Safety is primarily a personal issue and depends on age, underlying medical conditions, and physical condition. In any case, intense heat carries definite risks. You can and should take steps to reduce risk.
Dr. Mi-Han Nguyen, director of the Travel Medicine Clinic at Sutter Health Palo Alto Medical Foundation, urges travelers to know their medical history and any existing conditions or medications that may lead to an increase in heat illness. I advised him to do so. She noted that young children and the elderly are particularly sensitive.
Please consult your doctor or travel health clinic doctor before traveling for precautions. Next, consider your clothing, accommodations, and daily activities while traveling.
“It’s important for everyone to reduce their risk of heat-related illness through protective behaviors,” said Claudia Brown, a health scientist in the Climate and Health Program at the National Center for Environmental Health and Disease Control. As for how to reduce that risk, Brown said the most effective way is to find an air-conditioned environment if available.
“Aside from air conditioning, limit outdoor activities, especially in the afternoon, which is the hottest part of the day, and avoid direct sunlight,” Brown suggested. “Wear loose, light clothing, stay hydrated, and take cold showers or baths to lower your body temperature.”
Dr. Nguyen also said it’s important to stay hydrated.
“In addition to hydrating orally, it’s also important to have an external water source, such as a fountain or pool.” Dr. Nguyen also said to pay close attention to all kinds of official notifications and warning systems, and avoid crowds and crowds. He suggested avoiding tourist spots and looking for shaded or wooded areas.
Be careful of summer fatigue and heat stroke, and be sure to apply sunscreen.
Is travel insurance helpful?
Beth Godlin, president of travel insurance company Aon Affinity Travel Practice, said most travel insurance policies currently do not have special clauses covering extreme heat.
“Our cancellation-for-any-reason policy will allow you to cancel based on weather, as will our new policy that allows you to interrupt your trip for any reason,” she said. But that aside, don’t expect your travel insurance to cover the heat either. Insurance may cover emergency treatment for heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke or dehydration, but even then, it covers the resulting illness, not the fever itself.
“Travel insurance is evolving and may be covered in the next few years,” Godlin said. “It’s not exactly an established phenomenon.”
Can I change my plans?
In general, the crowded conditions in Europe this summer leave little room for last-minute changes or cancellations for refunds, said Italian Concierge, a New Jersey-based travel agency specializing in Italian travel and tours. President Joyce Falcone explained.
Ms Falcone said many of her customers wanted to stay on the Italian coast instead of traveling to steamy cities. However, travelers who cancel tours, drivers, hotels, etc. at the last minute should not expect a refund.
“Vendors have very tight schedules and don’t have a lot of flexibility,” Falcone said. “They are trying to make a living, but they have limited time to do so.”
What do locals do to beat the heat?
“They’re going to the beach!” Falcone says. “They’re like New Yorkers who abandon the city and head to the Jersey Shore or the Hamptons.”
While not all Europeans are able to escape the city for the beach, many decamp to relatives’ homes to escape the oppressive concrete of the urban environment.
If you can’t go to the beach, how can you cool off in the city?
So you are stuck in the city. Try to limit wandering early in the morning, before 10 a.m., or after sunset. Plan a Spanish-style nap during the hottest part of the day. Underground attractions such as the Catacombs of Rome and the Civil War-era tunnels of Barcelona are great options to explore. Consider going to movie theaters, which are often air-conditioned. And while it may be too late this year, consider visiting the mountains during the summer or, if possible, avoid summer travel altogether.
“I recommend traveling in the off-season,” Falcone said. “There are fewer people and the weather is getting cooler. Take this opportunity to consider November, December, January and February. Italy is amazing at this time of year.”
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