How to spot the dangers and enjoy the sun responsibly at home and abroad
Every year, increasingly hot weather and wildfires threaten people, properties, wildlife and natural landscapes. While this is a global problem, it is worsening in Europe with temperatures regularly topping 40 degrees Celsius in summer. It's important to know the dangers and enjoy the sun responsibly.
In 2023, temperatures across Europe were above average for 11 months of the year, including the warmest September on record. Greece was hit by the largest wildfire ever recorded within the EU, with over 96,000 hectares of land burned. In 2022, temperatures reached 40.3 degrees Celsius in the UK leading to the Met Office issuing its first ever red warning for extreme heat. Temperatures continue to increase year on year, with Europe named the fastest warming continent on earth.
In this guide, we'll explore essential safety tips for preparing and responding to extreme heat at home and when travelling in Europe.
The basics
Before delving into sun safety, it's important to address the dangers of extreme heat and sun exposure.
When travelling in hot climates, take the following precautions:
Hydration is key: Water is your best friend during a heatwave. Don't wait until you're thirsty – sip on cool water throughout the day. Avoid sugary drinks and excessive alcohol, as they dehydrate you further.
Seek shade: The sun is the main culprit behind scorching temperatures. Limit your time outdoors between 11 am and 3 pm when the sun is at its strongest. Seek refuge in air-conditioned spaces or shady areas.
Dress for the weather: Ditch the dark colors and heavy fabrics. Opt for loose-fitting, light-colored clothing made from breathable materials like cotton or linen. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are your best defense against the sun's harmful rays.
Cool down strategies: Take a refreshing dip in a pool, lake, or ocean (where safe, of course). A cool shower or bath can also work wonders. Carry a small spray bottle with cool water to mist yourself down throughout the day.
Apply sunscreen: Use sunscreen with a high SPF rating to protect exposed skin from harmful UV rays. Reapply sunscreen regularly, especially after swimming or sweating. Look for sunscreen that is:
at least SPF30 (SPF50+ for children) with protection against UVB
at least 4-star UVA protection
reef-safe - this means that the sunscreen doesn't contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, two chemicals that contribute to coral bleaching
Be aware of UV levels:
Limit physical activity: If you're planning hikes, climbs or other physical activities, organise the most strenuous sections for cooler times of day – such as morning or evening.
Keep your space cool: Whether camping or staying in a motorhome, tent or other accommodation, keep your space as cool as possible by closing windows, blinds, and curtains in rooms directly facing the sun. Use air conditioning where possible.
Understand the risks: Hot weather increases the risks of serious conditions like strokes, heart attacks and breathing difficulties, especially in older people and those with underlying health conditions.
Look out for others: Extreme heat can be especially dangerous for young children, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions. Check in on them regularly to ensure they are staying hydrated and cool.
Don't forget the pets: Never leave pets unattended in hot cars and provide them with plenty of water and shade. Think about investing in a pet cooling mat - take a look at our Kit for Canine Campers blog.
The where and what
Every country throughout Europe is experiencing higher temperatures, with records being broken each year. Whether you're visiting France or Finland, Spain or Sweden, you should be prepared for hot weather. The UK Foreign Office issues advice and warnings on extreme weather and natural disasters. Here are some of their top tips for Europe's most popular holiday destinations:
France
Forest fires happen anywhere in southern France during the summer months, particularly along the Mediterranean coast and in Corsica.
Fires have become more frequent because of drought and high temperatures. French authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons.
If you’re staying in a high-risk area, you shoud:
check the local safety and emergency procedures
be vigilant
follow the advice of local authorities
See more information on how to stay safe on the French Government website. If you are caught in, or witness a wildfire, call the emergency services on 18 (fire) or 112 (emergency services).
Wildfires happen often in Spain, including on the islands, during the summer months.
Be aware of your environment when visiting or driving through woodland areas. For information on wildfire risk visit the Spanish Meteorological Office (AEMET).
Causing a wildfire is a criminal offence in Spain, even if unintentional. Make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished, do not light barbecues and do not leave empty bottles behind. You can be heavily fined for not following the rules against lighting outdoor barbecues in forest areas. Make sure you know the rules if considering a barbeque.
Italy
Wildfires are a risk during the extended summer months. They are dangerous and unpredictable. Check the latest alerts and weather forecast and follow advice of local authorities if you’re considering travelling to affected areas. Take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas and report fires to the emergency services.
Wildfires can start anywhere in Portugal. Risk of fires is higher when the weather is hot and dry. Fires have become more common due to drought and high temperatures during the summer months.
Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The Portuguese authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons. You should:
call the emergency services on 112 if you see a wildfire
Starting a wildfire, even if it is by accident, is illegal and you could get a fine or a prison sentence.
For information about active wildfires and forecasts, visit the Portuguese Met Office website for information on Portugal.
Understanding wildfire risks
Wildfires can spread rapidly through bush vegetation like woodland and scrublands and are fuelled by high temperatures, dry vegetation, and windy conditions. When fires break out, they take hold quickly, so understanding the risks is a crucial first step for staying safe.
Radiant heat: This is heat moving before a fire front, which can be deadly. Radiant heat can break windows and burst car tyres up to 100 metres away from the main fire.
Air quality: Smoke, ash, and toxic fumes can spread many miles from the fire itself, impacting air quality and breathing.
Infrastructure: Severe fires can disrupt the power supply and damage key services like water and gas pipes, sewage, and phone lines.
Unless you're staying in remote forested areas, it's likely that authorities will have ample time to warn and, if necessary, evacuate populations before the fire spreads. However, it is vital that you remain calm. Decide whether you need to stay or leave and pay close attention to official advice. You can learn more about wildfire threat levels at the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS).
Sun and self
We may grumble when the mercury tops 20°C, but increased (and responsible) exposure to the sun boosts our vitamin D levels (something Brits are often deficient in). This increase sends a rush of serotonin to the brain, which helps lift our mood, keep us calm and allow us to focus. Low serotonin levels are associated with seasonal depression.
"Getting between 5-15 minutes of sunlight on your arms, hands and face two to three times a week is enough to enjoy the vitamin D-boosting benefits of the sun." - Healthline
The sun can also help your physical health. Responsible exposure to the sun's UVB radiation causes our skin to create vitamin D, contributing to healthy and strong bones. Low vitamin D levels are linked to rickets in children and osteoporosis and osteomalacia in adults.
Interestingly, although excessive sun exposure can cause cancer, moderate exposure actually has preventative benefits. The sun can also help aid the treatment of some skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, and acne.
But for these benefits to be felt, the sun must penetrate the skin, so it really is about striking the right balance. A brief walk to the shop in the sun without sunscreen or long sleeves could be beneficial, but if you're out for the day or lounging on the beach, remember the sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat or cap, sunglasses and protective clothing if you're more prone to burning.
Top tips
Continental Europe is generally better prepared for hot weather than the UK. Most buildings will have air conditioning, and outdoor seating areas are often shaded with misting fans (fans that intermittently spray a fine mist of water).
When in Europe, look for the pharmacy green cross. They usually display the current air temperature.
Apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if travelling to Europe. These entitle the holder to free or subsidised health care when abroad. They are free and are valid for five years.
Even if sunscreen claims to be water-resistent, you should still reapply if you've been swimming or sweating.
You may want to consider hydration supplements. These are tablets that you add to water that increase the electrolytes in the body and provide key minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium to bolster hydration levels.
The NHS advises that you should drink a minimum of six cups of fluid a day - this includes still or sparkling water, low-fat milk and sugar-free drinks. Tea and coffee do count but it is recommended that you avoid caffinated drinks. Water is the best option.
Sizzling summer? Don't fret! Remember, water is your best friend. Seek shade during the peak sun hours, and pack loose, light clothing. Sunscreen is a must for sun protection. Be aware of wildfire risks, especially with dry conditions. Avoid activities that could spark flames and follow local fire restrictions.
You can have a fantastic European adventure, even in the heat, by staying hydrated, sun-safe, and wildfire-aware.
