A heat wave sweeping across parts of Europe has led to hours-long power outages in the Balkan region and the closing of historic sites like the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. Serbia and Romania weathered heat waves reaching 40°C while similar temperatures were recorded in central and southern Greece, too. A heat wave is a period of hot weather where temperatures are higher than is expected for the time of year.
If you’re tramping around Europe right now, here’s what you can do to keep yourself safe from the heat.
Serbian authorities have asked their citizens to stay indoors from 11AM-5PM when the heat is at its worst. As a tourist, this means sequestering yourself in art galleries and museums like the Uffizi Gallery, the Van Gogh Museum, the Musée d'Orsay, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, and so on. Not only will you be safe from the sun but you will be able to marvel at fantastic artworks and learn about your destination country’s heritage without breaking a sweat. Going to the cinema, theatre or restaurant is another way of spending time indoors while enjoying yourself.
Wherever you can, book tickets to attractions ahead of time to cut back on any time spent standing outside during peak heat hours. If the attraction is located outside, you can consider booking later in the day when there will be fewer crowds.
Follow the latest updates from your destination’s health and government services. Use your smartphone's weather app to track temperatures throughout the day. Get travel insurance which covers medical expenses and unforeseen events like extreme weather. Not only will you be covered for heat-related illnesses but if an official advisory is released urging visitors to cancel their holidays due to the heat, you may also be entitled to reimbursement. Read the fine print of your travel insurance provider’s terms and conditions.
Heat starts building around 11AM and keeps building until early evening. Thus, temperatures in the afternoon are far more suffocating than in the morning. Checking out your destination’s attractions between 6AM-9AM will bring cool relief and help you avoid the crowds at popular spots. While nighttime can still be stuffy, post-8PM offers another chance to take in the sights of your destination.
Wear loose, light clothing made of lightweight materials, a hat and sunglasses. Tight-fitting clothes are a complete no-no during a heat wave. Apply and re-apply sunscreen, hydrate consistently and rest in the shade when you can. Bring along a handheld fan and prioritise water-filled foods like raw vegetables and salads, or fruits such as watermelons and grapes.
Wash hands, face and wrists with cool water as often as possible in public fountains. Take cool showers when you can, and try to air-dry if possible.
Public transport can be affected by extreme temperatures as train tracks and even roads can buckle during extreme heat. Pipe bursts can also increase in dry, hot weather due to ground shifts, leading to unexpected diversions. If your journey on public transport proceeds on schedule, you could be in for a very sticky trip if the buses or trains to your destination don’t have air conditioning. If you have to hit the road, make sure you have plenty of water and appropriate snacks. Be prepared for things not going according to plan.
Underground lines are often some of the hottest spots in a heat wave. Use the travel app Citymapper to search for public transport routes like buses, subways and trams with air conditioning.