Heat wave and the risk of forest fire: Vacation in the Mediterranean becomes risky!
Heat wave and the risk of forest fire: Vacation in the Mediterranean becomes risky!
With the arrival of the summer, many vacationers are faced with the decision to spend their summer vacation in the popular Mediterranean regions. But the current situation makes you take notice of security and health. The Federal Foreign Office published updated travel recommendations on May 27, 2025, which warn of extreme temperatures and health risks in countries such as Greece, Italy, Spain and France. In these regions, heat waves with temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius are particularly common and represent a serious risk.
Special caution is recommended for endangered groups. Infants, children, seniors and people with chronic diseases should protect themselves. Vacationers are advised to avoid stays in the sun and physical exertion during the midday heat. Specific tips are intended for hikers: sun protection, sufficient water as well as an charged mobile phone and a power bank should always be at hand.
increased risk of forest fire
An additional risk in these holiday locations is the risk of forest fire, which has risen significantly in the entire Mediterranean region, but especially in Greece, Spain, Italy and southern France. In the summer, the risk of earthquakes, especially on the island of Santorini, could also be worrying in Greece.
In Italy, travelers are asked to adjust to water shortages and droughts. In Sicily, the highest alarm level was proclaimed, which could have follows for the availability of water. The ISPRA environmental authority regularly provides current information on the weather conditions in Italy. Warming the Mediterranean leads to rising water temperatures and less cooling in winter, which also has negative effects on the flora and fauna there: algae and jellyfish increase, with some jellyfish types causing painful skin reactions. Fortunately, there are no very dangerous jellyfish, such as cubes, in the Mediterranean.climate change and its effects
The increasing risk of forest fire is closely associated with climate change, which can also be felt in these regions. Johann Goldammer, a specialist in this area, emphasizes that the challenges in forest management require an adaptation in the care of the forests. Promotion of biodiversity and increased carbon binding could be achieved through less intensive management, even if this can potentially lead to more dead wood than fuel.
The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) recommends converting needle-tree monocultures into multilayer mixed forests, since leafy wood usually burns more slowly as long as their crowns are tight. However, it is not clear whether reforestation measures can solve the climate problem alone. Everyone can contribute to combating the causes of forest fires, which is why the "Focus Wald" educational campaign offers specific rules of conduct for the prevention of forest fires.
- Do not ignite an open fire in the forest or near the forest.
- grilling only allowed on released barbecue areas.
- smoking in the forest is prohibited in all federal states from March to the end of October; This applies all year round in six federal states.
- glowing cigarettes must not be thrown out of the car.
- cars should not be parked in the forest or on dry grass to avoid the risk of fire through hot catalysts.
The combination of health risks due to extreme temperatures and the risk of forest fires makes particularly important for travelers to the Mediterranean regions of being well informed and prepared. While the summer months attract many tourists in these countries, security should always be the top priority. Further information and current developments are in the reports of gmx.net and quarkks.de
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| Ort | Griechenland, Land |
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