Italy and Greece have been particularly hard hit, with emergency states declared due to the continued heat.
Unprecedented heat is being experienced in various places in Europe, with temperatures far above normal summer values. Especially in Spain and Italy, temperatures are measured between 35 and even above 40 degrees. Some areas even have to deal with temperatures above 45 degrees. Although this extreme heat can be dangerous, the interest organization for travel companies ANVR warns that it is not a valid reason to cancel your holiday free of charge.
Although it is not possible to cancel the trip free of charge due to the heat, the consequences of these extreme temperatures should not be underestimated. In southern Europe in particular, the high temperatures are causing problems. In southern Italy, for example, the mercury has risen to 48 degrees in recent days. These temperatures require precautions such as avoiding the bright sun and limiting physical exertion.
The human body can be seriously affected by such heat waves, especially in young children and the elderly. At temperatures above 42 degrees, the body temperature can rise rapidly, similar to experiencing an extreme fever. This can lead to the clumping of proteins in the tissue and blood, which can result in organ failure and, in severe cases, even death.
Experts advise people to drink enough water to avoid dehydration. It is normally recommended to drink one and a half liters of water per day, but at temperatures of 30 degrees or higher it may be necessary to consume extra water, at least an extra liter.
This extreme heat wave comes as no surprise as the warmest temperature ever recorded in Europe was recorded in August 2021, near Syracuse on the Italian island of Sicily. This summer, countries such as Spain, France, Greece, Croatia and Turkey will again be hit by temperatures above 40 degrees. The European Space Agency has even warned that the European temperature record of 48,8 degrees may be broken.
As vacationers make their travel plans for this summer, it is essential to stay informed about weather conditions and take the necessary precautions to avoid health problems. While the high mercury isn't a valid reason to cancel a trip free of charge, it's always wise to purchase cancellation insurance to cover unexpected events that could disrupt your travel plans.
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The ANVR has indicated that, according to their guidelines, only accidents, illness, medically necessary treatments and death of insured persons, family members in the 1st and 2nd degree, housemates or persons with whom one would stay during the holiday are valid reasons for cancellation. The death of a 3rd degree relative or the death of a loved one during the trip are also considered valid reasons. This does not apply to other situations, such as extreme heat.
