Brits heading out to Spain may want to rethink their travel plans ahead of soaring temperatures, as they experience a different kind of holiday without a safe trip to the beach
The weather is set to hit as high as 45 degrees (Image: Getty Images)
Tourists hoping to catch a tan on the beach in Spain may be disappointed to learn that close to 27 beaches so far will in fact be a tourist-free zone as the scorching heat takes a hold.
The Costa Blanca is set to see a huge beach ban this week amidst dangerous weather warnings to protect locals’ and tourists’ safety.
Spain’s national weather agency, AEMET, has predicted strong storms and gusts of wind, which have the potential to cause thermal blowouts. As a result, local councils are forcing shutdowns as Alicante is set to see its most dangerous weather days of the summer in the final week of July.
Thermal bursts, or blowouts, are a phenomenon in which precipitation evaporates as it crosses dry air in warm environments. This phenomenon causes a sudden spike in temperature and strong winds.
Inland temperatures are forecast to reach up to 45 degrees, and the province remains under a yellow weather warning, as thunderstorms could bring hazardous conditions to the area.
Three municipalities in total, including Alicante, Guardamar del Segura, and Orihuela, have decided to raise red flags on their beaches to prevent the potential risks caused by the extreme shift in weather, Mercia Today suggests.
Orihulea City Council confirmed that all beaches along the coast will be closed from 5pm, July 23, with the red flags banning all swimming activity.
This restriction affects the likes of Punta Prima Beach, Cala Mosca, Cala Estaca, Cala Bosque, Cala Capitan and Cala Cerrada, as well as any coves in the area.
Meanwhile, Alicante City Council has also activated emergency measures, where all municipal beaches will be closed for visitors, along with parks, gardens and wooded areas.
The ban affects popular tourist beaches such as Postiguet, San Juan Beach, Urbanova-El Saladar, Aguamarga, La Almadraba and Albufereta, according to the Olive Press.
All three councils have supposedly asked that beachgoers remove the likes of umbrellas and any other objects that have the potential to be thrown around by the strong gusts of wind.
Authorities are advising tourists to avoid unnecessary travel and steer clear of beaches and exposed coastal areas for their own safety. Although, as things stand, there is no official statement that advises against travel to any parts of Spain due to the heatwave.
If you are someone travelling out to Spain amidst these extreme temperatures or travelling around the country during the hottest days, you should take general precautions to avoid the sun.
Typically, the hottest hours are from 11am to 3pm, so it’s best to avoid this time if possible, all while staying hydrated and wearing sunscreen and light, breathable clothing.
As for your villa, holiday home or hotel space, be sure to bring inside any parasols, outdoor furniture, plant pots and loose objects that live on any balconies or terraces. If the thunderstorms develop, it is best to stay indoors where possible and most definitely avoid walking near exposed costal spots.
The adjoining municipalities of Santa Pola and Torrevieja have yet to make a statement over their beaches, but this could change.