Europe heatwave: smart tips for surviving the hottest days of the year

With temperatures set to reach 47 degrees on the continent this weekend, here's how to stay safe

A girl takes a cooling dip in Abandoibarra Park in Bilbao (Rex)

Holidaymakers on the continent are in for a sweltering weekend, with extreme temperatures forecast for the next few days.

Portugal and Spain are expected to be the worst affected, with thermometers predicted to reach a blistering 47 degrees.

While the intense heat may bring smiles to some faces, it’s important to remember that temperatures at this level can pose a severe health risk.

In the Spanish region of Murcia, two men, aged 48 and 78 respectively, are reported to have died as a consequence of heatstroke.

With this in mind, here are some smart ways to stay safe while the sun shines.

Drink lots of water

For many people, holidays are a time to relax and an ice-cold beer on a hot day can be hard to resist. Consider postponing the sesh for a few hours later than usual, however, or – at the very least – alternate between alcoholic drinks and water. Staying well hydrated is vital in high temperatures and inebriated people are arguably less capable of assessing their safety in relation to extreme weather.

Children are particularly vulnerable to the damaging effects of the sun (istock)

Have a long lunch

While the local seafood may very well be delicioso, lingering over lunch longer than usual has the additional benefit of keeping you out of the sun during the hottest part of the day. The old adage of only mad dogs and Englishman being foolish enough to stay out in the heat of the day still rings true, so make like the Spaniards and seek shelter at a local cantina between the hours of 12-3pm.

Seek some shelter and sample the local cuisine (istock)

Apply sun cream liberally and regularly

In temperatures this high, factor 15 just isn’t going to cut it. Make sure you use a high factor sun cream with a five-star UV rating to protect skin from damaging radiation from the sun. Reapply this throughout the day, even if your product maintains that a single application will keep you protected. Sweat, salt and sea all reduce the efficacy of sun cream. And don’t think your moisturiser with built-in SPF will cut it in temperatures of this magnitude – it won’t. If you’re in and out of the water, you’ll also need to reapply after every soak.

Don't scrimp on the sun cream (istock)

Wear a hat

From bucket hats to boaters, trilbies to baseball caps, make a sartorial statement with a head covering that offers both style and protection from the heat.

Slap on a hat and stay safe from the sun (istock)

Think of the children!

Young skin is much more susceptible to damage and no one wants to deal with a screaming toddler who’s turned pink. As well as slathering on the sun block, consider investing in a child's rash vest or wetsuit so less skin is exposed, and keep little ones in the shade as much as possible. Older and vulnerable people should also be considered when staying safe in the sun.

Fitness fan? Exercise caution

Save your workout for first thing in the morning or last thing at night (istock)

Exercising in extreme heat isn’t the wisest move, but if you refuse to skip your workout, early morning or late evening is generally a cooler time of the day to train. When you sweat, your body not only loses water, but electrolytes and salt, so make sure you apply plenty of sun cream, drink lots of water and consider an electrolyte substitute if you’re training intensively.