Europe is getting hotter: hot sea swimming and tropical nights – how to survive the vacations?

Meteorologists have been warning for several months that this summer could be the hottest on record. So far, their predictions are coming true – in mid-July another heat wave sweeps through most European countries, turning a dream vacation into a gehenna. In Dubrovnik, Croatia, the sea temperature reached a record 29.7°C on Monday. Tourists stay in hotels, fearing scorching beaches and water that doesn’t cool. It’s also hot in Hungary, Romania, Macedonia… Experts warn – you need to protect yourself from the heat!

A vacation in hell?

A vacation on the Adriatic Sea a decade ago was a luxury compared to the cool and capricious Baltic weather. This year, however, since the beginning of June, the media have been showering us with catastrophic reports of killer heat and fires in Greece, drought in southern Spain, sea blooms in Croatia. Athletes are already chuckling at the thought of the Olympic Games, which begin in less than two weeks – will medals come with heatstroke?

In Paris, temperatures are currently hitting 30°C, but forecasts promise several degrees of cooling in the coming days. However, the situation in the Balkans, Eastern Europe and Ukraine is dramatic. Wednesday saw the highest level of fire danger throughout southern Italy, while on Thursday in Croatia warnings of extreme heat affected the Split, Rijeka and Knin regions popular with tourists. The sea temperature measured an hour before noon indicated from 25.8°C on the island of Mali Losinj to 28.3°C in Dubrovnik and 29.7°C in Veliko jezero bay off the coast of Mljet island. Tropical nights have been recorded in Hungary for more than a week, with thermometers in Bucharest likely to show as much as 40°C by the end of the day, and as much as 42°C in Macedonia.

Sea temperature continues to rise

Rising sea temperatures seem like a trivial problem compared to drought and fires on land. But warmer water is not just a lack of refreshment – in Antalya the sea is now 28.6°C, in Slovenia’s Kopra even 29°C. According to the European Copernicus Center, there has been a steady warming of the Mediterranean Sea over the past 30 years. Scientists are already labeling it a “hotspot” – that is, a place particularly experienced by marine heat waves.

The increase in the surface temperature of the Mediterranean Sea is responsible for the mass extinction of aquatic species, which negatively affects ecosystems, but also the fishing industry. So far, warming has led to severe population losses in 50 taxonomic groups with mortality rates as high as 80 percent. And the well-being of up to 400 million people depends on local fisheries. The loss of biodiversity in marine ecosystems is enormous.

How to cool down?

When the temperature of the sea and lakes does not provide the desired respite, overheating and dangerous heat stroke are very easy to come by. International organizations and scientists warn to proactively protect yourself from the heat by:

• Hydration – research from the American College of Sports Medicine indicates that water consumption should be increased on hot days, even if you don’t feel thirsty;
• A light diet – choose easily digestible meals, rich in fruits and vegetables, which replenish fluids and lower body temperature. Instead, avoid heavy, fatty foods and alcohol, which can contribute to faster dehydration;
• sun protection – according to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the use of UV sunscreens, wearing light, airy clothing and hats that provide shade protects against sunburn and heat stroke;
• Exercise avoidance-The World Health Organization (WHO)recommends limiting physical activity, especially between 10 am and 4 pm. If exertion is unavoidable, take frequent breaks and cool down the body;
• air conditioning and ventilation – the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stresses that access to air-conditioned spaces can significantly reduce heat-related deaths and illnesses. According to the WHO, air-conditioned public buildings, including special cooling points organized in the summer, are effective in reducing the negative effects of hot weather.

Hot weather is not to be taken lightly – either in the city or when traveling. But let’s think not only about ourselves, but also about those close to us, especially children, seniors and the disabled, who may need support and good advice.

Photo. HEADLINES: Nick Karvounis/Unsplash