Another sweltering heatwave could soon bring record-breaking temperatures to southern Europe, with experts warning that Mediterranean temperatures could soar to 50C. Parts of Spain and Portugal are particularly at risk, as the region faces what may be only the beginning of extreme heat events.
Record-Breaking Heat Expected
Large parts of Spain have already endured temperatures of 44C in recent days, while the heat has fuelled wildfires across Spain and France, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes, according to the Mirror. The highest air temperature ever officially recorded in Europe is 48.8C, set in Sicily in 2021. Before that, the record stood at 48C, recorded in Elefsina and Athens in 1977.
Professor Bill McGuire, Emeritus Professor of Geophysical and Climate Hazards at UCL, said even hotter weather could be yet to come. He stated: "It would be no surprise if 50C was exceeded, either later this summer or next year, when the heating impact of the unprecedented El Niño building in the Pacific will be at its greatest."
Impact on Holidaymakers
Professor McGuire urged anyone travelling to the Mediterranean to be prepared to spend far more time indoors than they might have planned. He told the Daily Mail: "I wouldn’t say that they would be a total write-off, but I think holidaymakers will need to be prepared to spend a lot of time in air-conditioned hotel rooms, due to it simply being too hot to do anything outside."
Professor Hanna Cloke, Regius Professor of Meteorology and Climate Science at the University of Reading, said parts of Spain and Portugal could see temperatures climb into the high 40s. She commented: "Temperatures in the high 40s are possible in the hottest parts of Spain and Portugal. And where humidity is high it can feel even hotter than that, well above what the thermometer says. That’s the kind of heat that kills."
Health Risks and Precautions
Professor Cloke urged holidaymakers to take extra care if temperatures continued to climb. She said: "The old and vulnerable need to be very careful; keeping out of the sun and drinking plenty of water, as they can easily suffer and become ill in 40C+ temperatures."
Climate Change Driving Extreme Heat
Professor McGuire said there was "no doubt whatsoever" climate change was driving the extreme heat. He explained: "Europe is heating faster than any other continent as we continue to add more than 40 billion tonnes of CO2 to the atmosphere every year – equivalent to the weight of 800,000 Titanics."
The average temperature of Europe is now more than 2°C hotter than it was 100 years ago, and high temperature extremes are going up even faster. Heatwaves are getting hotter and longer, and taking many thousands of lives every year. Professor McGuire added: "But this isn’t the new normal, this is just the beginning. Summers across the Mediterranean region are just going to keep on getting hotter as long as we continue to do next to nothing in terms of reining in carbon emissions."
