European holiday destinations are likely to be smashed by a heatwave as the latest weather maps show temperatures rising to 46C and 45C in Spain and Greece respectively.

Weather maps have turned dark red for most parts of Spain and Greece for the third week of July – with the blistering mercury set to affect thousands of Brits jetting off to the European destinations on their holidays.

In recent weeks, Europe has experienced unusually high temperatures, resulting in wildfires and several fatalities. Maps from WXCharts show areas around Seville and Malaga in Spain are most likely to sizzle at 46C while other areas like Madrid and Badagoz witnessing 40C.

Turkey and Cyprus were among the hardest hit by the recent heatwave, while six cities in Spain were placed on ‘red alert’ last week.

Cadiz, Cordoba, Huelva, Jaen, Seville, and Badajoz faced extreme heat warnings issued by Spain’s State Meteorological Agency, with some regions still experiencing peak temperatures in the high 30s and low 40s.

Through mid-July, significantly warmer weather than usual will return to the eastern and southern parts of Europe, with temperatures expected to exceed 40C in some regions.

A relatively long-lasting heatwave will intensify early this week and persist into the following weekend. In contrast, the west and north will experience milder conditions, with frontal zones passing through intermittently.

Similarly, in Greece, most of the cities will bake at around 42-43C with the highest temperatures expected in Thessaloniki at 45C.

The Greek Minister of Health, Adonis Georgiadis, has put the recent heatwave in the southern European hotspot down to the climate crisis.

He said: “People need to understand that climate change is happening and that they need to be very careful. The government minister added: “We have had cases of foreign travellers who lost their lives in Greece.”

The British Red Cross has since issued warnings and advice to travellers set to visit heat-battered countries. “Extreme heat can be deadly.” it says. “Studies have reported that 61,000 people died because of Europe’s record-breaking heatwave in 2023.

“And with the effects of climate change, it’s likely heatwaves will become more frequent and intense.”

William Spencer, climate and first aid product manager at the British Red Cross, said: “Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and getting worse because of climate change. Sadly, we have seen cases already this year of the tragic impact high temperatures can have on human life.

“High temperatures make it harder for the body to cool itself and we all need to take care to manage the health risks of heat. If you are travelling to a country experiencing extreme heat, there are several steps you can take to keep yourself and others safe.”

Among these tips, Mr Spencer said holidaymakers should avoid activities in the middle of the day, when temperatures are peaking. The obvious ones are to wear suncream, drink plenty of water, and reduce alcohol consumption.

People choosing to stay in their apartments can opt to keep blinds and windows closed at the hottest part of the day to stop the scorching heat seeping in.