Spain, Portugal, and Morocco to hit 46°C this week

British families heading to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco this week are being warned to brace for a severe heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach up to 46°C.

The UK Met Office predicts the peak of the summer heat will arrive on Wednesday. Madrid is forecasted to hit 39°C , Seville 43°C, and Lisbon 37°C. Marrakesh, Morocco, is expected to experience even higher temperatures, soaring to 46°C.

Other global cities bracing for extreme heat include Baghdad (46°C), Riyadh in Saudi Arabia (44°C), and Abu Dhabi in the UAE (40°C).

Marco Petagna, a senior operational meteorologist at the Met Office, urged visitors to southwestern Europe to "take care" during the intense heatwave.

Spain has been enduring high temperatures in recent days, prompting local authorities to issue health alerts and warn of a heightened risk of wildfires. In Madrid, homeless individuals have been transported to an air-conditioned center offering food, drinks, and washroom facilities to provide relief from the oppressive heat.

Greece is currently facing its second heatwave of the summer, with forest fires and temperatures reaching 43°C (109°F). Holiday operators advise tourists affected by the wildfires to follow the guidance of their hotels and local officials, and to notify authorities if they have been evacuated.

The UK Foreign Office has not advised against travel to Greece but cautions that "wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable." Kos Mayor Theodosis Nikitaras described the situation for evacuees as "extremely difficult," sharing images of hundreds of people sleeping inside a football stadium in Antimachia on Facebook. "The efforts of all who operated during the night were superhuman," he said, praising firefighters and volunteers.

Italy is also grappling with extreme heat, placing 14 cities under the highest level of alert. Croatia has experienced a prolonged heatwave, with temperatures reaching 37°C (99°F).

Travelers are advised to stay informed about local weather conditions and health advisories, and to take necessary precautions during the heatwave.

[Information sourced from Metro UK]