Heat wave on the Mediterranean: Extreme temperatures endanger vacationers!

Heat wave on the Mediterranean: Extreme temperatures endanger vacationers!

The Foreign Office has warned against traveling to popular holiday destinations on the Mediterranean due to unpredictable weather conditions and extreme temperatures. Greece, Italy and Spain are particularly affected. Temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius are expected in some parts of Greece, which poses a serious risk to travelers. The office recommends special caution for babies, children, seniors and people with chronic illnesses.

The high temperatures are not the only problem. Physical exertion during the midday heat and long stays in the sun should be avoided. In recent years there have been droughts and forest fires in this region, often caused by carelessness. The Federal Foreign Office's travel warning contains a list of safety measures that travelers should observe.

Recommendations for vacationers

The recommended measures include carrying enough drinking water and wearing sun protection, especially on hikes and excursions. The office also recommends charging your cell phone and taking a power bank with you. In emergencies, the emergency number 112 can be used throughout Europe, including for locating in an emergency. Light, light-colored clothing made from natural materials is also recommended to better withstand the hot temperatures.

Summer forecasts show weather experts can predict extreme heatwaves in Europe up to three years in advance. A heat build-up in the North Atlantic is responsible for the exceptional temperatures, which is causing extremely high values ​​this year. Older people are particularly affected, which can lead to an increased death rate.

The heat wave is already being felt in large parts of southern Europe. In Italy, the highest warning levels for heat apply in 23 cities. In Rome, 41.8 degrees were measured on Tuesday. Florence and Bologna are also severely affected, with temperatures between 37 and 39 degrees. The heat wave reached its peak in Spain, with temperatures of 44 and 45.3 degrees recorded in Mallorca and Figueres. The highest red alert levels in several regions of the country illustrate the extent of the danger.

Fires and evacuations in Greece

In Greece, fires are currently raging around Athens, caused by drought and strong winds. Dozens of towns have had to be evacuated as a new heatwave looms with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees. These developments lead to an alarming situation that poses significant risks for both the population and tourists.

In Spain, the high risk of forest fires, particularly on La Palma, is causing great concern. Around 4,000 people had to leave their homes here because thousands of hectares have already burned. Given these circumstances, WHO has warned Europe of the dangers of the heat wave and recommended protective measures that also fully emphasize cooling of living space and hydration.

Holidaymakers should be aware that the summer of 2025 in southern Europe will be characterized by extreme weather conditions. The Foreign Office and other institutions strongly advise you to take precautionary measures to ensure your own safety.

For further information, we recommend taking a look at the articles from [RTL] (https://www.rtl.de/leben/reisen/auswaertiges-amt-warnt-vor-reisen-in-diese-laender-so-gefaehrlich-wird-der-urlaub-am-mittelmeer-id4371201.html) and [Tagesschau] (https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/europa/wärme-suedeuropa-who-100.html).