Europeans are preparing for a period of record breaking temperatures, with holiday resorts popular with Brits set to hit the high 40s, with some parts bracing for 50 degrees plus
Holiday hotspots beloved by Brits are set to be hit by 50 degree heatwaves. A complex computer run global forecast system has officially predicted that on July 28 the 50 barrier could be hit in southern Portugal.
This would break the continental record of 48.8C, set back in August 2021 near Syracuse in Sicily. The forecast, reported by the Daily Mirror, also predicts that Spain could see temperatures in the high forties, as yet another massive heatwave swings across Europe this summer.
World cup winning Spain is set to bake at around 48C, with coastal resort towns like Benidorm only a little bit cooler at 45C.
Parts of southern France are also expected to be hit by similar temperatures, with the area around Bordeaux forecast to be around 47 degrees towards the end of July.
While we all love a bit of sun, temperatures like these pose a number of serious risks.
Extreme heat is considered one of the deadliest weather hazards, particularly for older people, young children, pregnant women and people with pre-existing medical conditions.
At these sorts of temperatures, prolonged exposure can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Heatwaves can also worsen existing medical conditions, increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and contribute to wildfires, poor air quality and power outages, placing further strain on health services.
Even healthy people are likely to be advised to avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, as well as to keep hydrated as much as possible.
Professor Peter Stott, then Head of Climate Monitoring and Attribution at the UK Met Office, has previously warned that Europe could soon experience temperatures of 50C.
Speaking to The Independent back in 2021, he said: “If we don’t, in 10 years’ time we’ll be talking about 50C or more in Europe – just like we’re now talking about 50C or more in Canada.”
Dr Clair Barnes, a climate scientist at Imperial College London and co-author of a World Weather Attribution study, also warned during Europe’s 2026 heatwave that rising global temperatures mean records will continue to fall.
She said: “We are not doing enough to slow the rate of global warming at the moment. And so as that rate of warming continues… we should expect to see record temperatures being exceeded more and more frequently.”