Heatwave warning for holidaymakers as Med braced for record-breaking temperatures
Holidaymakers are being warned of soaring temperatures in some of the most popular destinations in the Med.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office has issued new advice for travellers to both Spain and Portugal, where authorities are forecasting a sharp increase in temperatures over the next few days.
As a heatwave continues to grip Europe, temperatures in Spain are expected to reach as high as 48 degrees, while in Portugal they could top 40.
Parts of southwest France are also expected to be hotter than usual, according to the Met Office.
In an update to its advice for people heading to Spain, the FCO said: "You should take care when out in the sun and consult the NaTHNaC website for advice on sun protection; high temperatures also carry an increased risk of forest fires; check on the outbreak of fires with the local civil protection authority and report any you may see immediately to the emergency services on 112."
In total, 27 of the country’s 50 provinces are expected to experience some of the hottest days ever recorded in continental Europe from Thursday onwards.
Hot winds blowing from Africa will spread north and east as the week progresses.
The FCO is also warning of the possibility of forest fires in Portugal due to the ongoing heatwave. In an update, the FCO said: "Check on the outbreak of fires with the local civil protection authority and report any you may see immediately to the emergency services on 112."
The advice follows wildfires in the Greek seaside resort of Mati, which killed more than 80 people, including Irishman Brian O’Callaghan-Westropp.
Portugal has mobilised almost 11,000 voluntary firefighters, police and soldiers to help control operations in fire-prone areas of the country.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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