It could be that sunscreen is all that a traveler needs for their trip to Europe.
Many countries across the continent have never seen temperatures reach their current heights until now as a historic heatwave has taken hold in almost every European country from large cities to small town areas.
A number of countries have issued emergency warnings to alert citizens about the extreme temperatures, the potential for wildfires and health issues related to the high temperatures.
Travelers are finding that this is not just a southern European phenomenon.
In fact, the countries of Germany, England, Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, which usually enjoy mild summer temperatures are now experiencing a record number of days over 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). In some cases, countries in northern Europe have recorded higher temperature readings than many of those closest to the equator.
Germany has been especially hard hit.
Records for extreme temperature readings have been set repeatedly in places throughout the country within just days of each other. Eastern Germany has recorded temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius) for several days; and it has not cooled off at night either, with some areas still experiencing temperatures of 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius) at midnight.
Meteorologists have stated that the event was one of the most major heatwaves seen in the country in recent history.
Central Europe had not avoided this either.
Hungary recorded its hottest June temperature ever as well, with numerous areas around Budapest measuring over 40 degrees Celsius. Similar milestones were also set in Poland and the Czech Republic, with century-old records in those two countries also falling during these same events.
Austria was yet another country which has seen temperatures increase to dangerous levels.
Vienna itself reached a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius, causing the city to issue a heat warning that was the most severe it could issue according to authorities. Officials urged residents to hydrate frequently, limit their time outdoors during high temperature hours of the day, and pay greater attention to children and the elderly.
Across the English Channel, the weather surprised most everyone.
Usually known for its cloudy skies versus the extremely warm temperatures being experienced during a second consecutive record-setting June in recent history, the United Kingdom produced temperatures surpassing 37 degrees Celsius in the southern part of the country. Additionally, the first time that was ever seen, the United Kingdom’s weather service issued consecutive Red Warnings for extreme heat.
Even more startling is that these records were set just weeks following another record-setting, very hot period earlier in the year.
Northern Europe has also now been exposed to record-setting heat which is rarely seen in the area.
As temperatures neared an all-time high of 40 degrees Celsius in the Netherlands, the country had to issue several heat alerts across several provinces; in neighbouring Denmark (normally known for its temperate summers) broke its record as well when temperatures exceeded 37 degrees Celsius. Also, in Switzerland, Basel recorded its hottest day ever recorded for the month of June.
Then there’s France.
France experienced one of the worst heat waves on record (in recent years) with national average temperatures reaching record levels and temperatures in western regions reaching over 44 degrees Celsius.
The impact of this heat was more than just discomfort.
Because of the long-term drought conditions, most of the country went under the highest level of alert, as authorities reported that prolonged drought conditions created a much higher risk of wildfires. Additionally, there were also numerous drowning fatalities reported from individuals seeking relief by swimming in rivers, lakes or oceans.
Spain experienced similarly difficult conditions.
Many parts of Spain had consecutive days with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, while many cities set new records for the month of June; furthermore, the northern city of Bilbao recorded a temperature NEVER before seen there in June, leaving no doubt in anyone’s mind how widespread the severe heat was throughout Western Europe.
For those who may be travelling this year, the current heat wave has changed the normal way in which people are used to seeing the sites.
Tours on foot, outdoor festivals, hiking in nature or just walking around a city, will require so much more planning than they normally have. It is also now much more dangerous for visitors who are not used to being outdoors for long periods of time during uncomfortably high temperatures caused by mid-day heat.
Travel experts recommend scheduling all outdoor activities as early in the morning or as late in the evening as possible. Bringing enough water, wearing light clothing, finding shade whenever possible, and monitoring local weather reports will all be essential to having a good time in Europe this summer.
The period of extreme heat is a sign of how unusual weather patterns are becoming.
Locations which for many years had been accustomed to summer temperatures that felt good now experience weather that would have been difficult to believe only 10 years ago. As you prepare your vacation to Europe, you may need to prepare not only for beautiful places and cities that have a lot of history attached to them, but for potential extreme weather.
Europe continues to be one of the most visited places to take a vacation, however, as a result of the summer heat wave, even the most recognisable vacation destinations aren’t going to be spared from what could potentially be extreme weather. Planning your trip by gathering weather information and altering your travel plans based on the current weather conditions will use to make a significant difference between your ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ trip and your ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ trip.” and a dangerous one.
