Which holiday destinations will be hottest this week and how can you stay safe as temperatures soar?

The Cerberus heatwave has been causing the mercury to rise across southern Europe since last week, bringing temperatures of 40C and upwards in some parts of the continent.

With preliminary figures showing Earth’s average temperature set a new record high on 13 July for the third time in a week, this new spell of hot weather will continue to impact holidaymakers – particularly those heading for the Mediterranean countries of Spain, Italy and Greece – as well as locals.

The heatwave has been caused by a combination of unusually high surface temperatures at sea and an area of high pressure over the Mediterranean, with the addition of clouds of Saharan dust in some areas.

Several cities and towns in Europe have been put on alert as temperatures show no signs of subsiding, with the Charon heatwave bringing temperatures in certain destinations that are expected to exceed last week’s highs.

If you’re currently on holiday in Europe or getting ready to depart, you may be wondering what you’ll encounter across the Channel. Here are the literal holiday hotspots that are predicted to hit the highest temperatures this week, plus tips on how best to avoid the punishing heat while you’re travelling.

Italy

Sardinia

This popular holiday destination off the western coast of Italy could see temperatures of up to 48C this week (with a particular warning in place in Cagliari). This could see it approach – or potentially even top – the highest temperature ever recorded in Europe (48.8C). Peak temperatures are expected on Tuesday 18 July across all areas, with highs around 4pm.

Sicily

The largest island in the Mediterranean is where Europe’s highest ever temperature was recorded in August 2021, taken at a measuring point in Syracuse. Warnings have been issued for temperatures that could also exceed 48C; there are extreme warnings in place for Catania, Palermo and Messina.

Rome

The Italian capital’s inland location means it frequently gets sweltering in summer, with temperatures up to 43C possible this week; this would be above the city’s previous high of 40.5C, recorded in 2007.

Milan

While…