Spain 40C ‘severe' heat & thunderstorm warning for Irish tourists as 10 worst-hit holiday spots pinpointed amid heatwave
Temperatures soared as high as 46.6C across
Advertisement
4
Tourists are being warned of sizzling temperatures in parts of Spain
Credit: EPA/MORELL
4
Temperatures hit 46C in parts of Europe in recent days
Credit: meteologix.com
A number of holiday hotspots in
Spain's State Meteorological Agency, AEMET, has warnings in place for a number of popular holiday spots including Seville, Alicante, Mallorca, Madrid and Girona.
A 'severe high-temperature warning' has been issued for Seville, the Córdoba Countryside, Guadalquivir, Morena and Condada.
Weather chiefs at
Advertisement
READ MORE IN TRAVEL
'Severe damages to people and properties may occur, especially to those vulnerable or in exposed areas.'
The mercury is expected to reach a scorching 40C.
A 'moderate high-temperature warning' is in place in Valle del Tajo, with temperatures hitting 38C.
Meteoalarm said: 'Be aware, keep up to date with the latest weather forecast.
Advertisement
MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN
'Moderate damages to people and properties may occur, especially to those vulnerable or in exposed areas.
Health chiefs share signs and symptoms for Irish people to look out for after heatwave
Thunderstorms with 20mm rain expected to accumulate in one hour are set to hit other areas today.
This means that Irish jetsetters hoping to escape to the sun might find themselves disappointed.
The thunderstorm alert has been issued for Mallorca, Alicante, Valencia, Tarragona and the Barcelona coastline.
Advertisement
Jetsetters are advised to take caution in severe weather, especially with the extreme heat, and follow the authority guidelines.
Using sunscreen with a factor of 30 or higher is recommended.
And ensure to reapply it every two hours and after swimming at the beach or pool.
IRELAND HEAT SPELL
Meanwhile, a number of weather alerts have been issued for parts of Portugal with temperatures reaching 38C.
Advertisement
A yellow high-temperature warning has been issued for Sardinia, Italy.
In Greece, an 'orange max temperature' alert is in place with a 'yellow high-temperature' warning issued for other areas.
Here in Ireland,
Cathal Nolan from Ireland's Weather Channel warned people to brace for the "hottest spell of weather since 2022" as Met Eireann confirmed temperatures will skyrocket this week.
Advertisement
Nolan said warm temperatures will return with isolated light showers in some parts of the country this week, starting from today.
4
Holidaymakers are urged to wear sunscreen
Credit: AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti
4
Weather chiefs warned 'severe damages to people and properties may occur' in Spain
Credit: EPA/MORELL
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I'm a Disney expert after turning obsession into dream job – best months to book plus little-known way to save hundreds
DISNEYLAND is known as the most magical place on Earth and thanks to an Irish travel agent's financial wizardry, hundreds of euro can be saved on the cost of a visit. Laura Shamel has visited Disney's popular theme parks on 11 different occasions and turned her passion into a full-time gig. Advertisement 3 Travel expert Laura Shamel has revealed her top tips for Disneyland trips 3 Laura with her kids Mia, 11, and Cameron, 7, enjoying a Disney adventure And the mum-of-two, who advises holidaymakers on how best to reduce unnecessary expenses and avoid common mistakes, said there is something for everyone to enjoy on a once-in-a-lifetime Disney trip. Laura said: "There is something about the magic and it's just a wonderful place to be so immersive." Laura, 40, from Co Advertisement Through her travel agency, And thanks to her cost-cutting expertise and savvy tips, a trip to the happiest place on Earth could work out just as cheap as a staycation. She said: "Obviously a lot of people think Disney is for kids, and that's true, they do love it. "But there's something about the magic and it's just a wonderful place to be - so immersive and I think it brings you back to your childhood - it's memories, it's happiness, it's just everything about it. "I have always loved Disney and the parks are just fantastic. I love the rides, I love the shows, I love the character meets, the food - everything about it. Advertisement "There is something for everybody - from the tiny kids to fully grown adults like me - a Disney adult. "You've got Galaxy Edge which is the Star Wars part and my husband is a massive fan. Disney announces brand new theme park "While he's not really bothered about Disney, he's in the Star Wars area and absolutely enjoying it all." Laura is confident that with the right preparation, a trip to one of the parks can be made quite cost effective. For those seeking a quieter atmosphere or looking for the most affordable time to go, Laura recommends taking a trip at the beginning of the year - so looking at January, February or March for jetting off. Advertisement These months tend to have the smallest crowds and most competitive prices, which can help reduce the overall cost of an excursion. CHEAPEST MONTHS Revealing how a trip could cost less than a spin to another county in Ireland, Laura said: "Depending on the time of year you can get really cheap flights. "Out of school holidays usually end up being a lot cheaper, if you don't mind it being cold. "January and February are a really good time to go because they're a lot quieter and a lot cheaper." More of Laura's top tips to save cash on what might seem like an overwhelming trip include travelling during off-peak seasons, booking in advance and choosing basic hotels or nearby accommodation with shuttle access. Advertisement DISCOUNT BUNDLES Laura said Disneyland Paris' Santa Fe Hotel offers a more affordable option and is located within walking distance of the parks. Midweek visits are generally less expensive than weekends and school term times are quieter than the busy holiday periods. Laura added: "For example, Magic Kingdom is busiest on a Saturday and Monday, and the best days to visit are considered to be Sunday or Thursday. "Disney's new Lightning Lane system lets you pay to join a separate, shorter queue for some of the most popular rides and attractions, so you spend less time waiting. "And resort guests can also enjoy early entry every day, giving you a head start before the crowds roll in - with a little planning, you can experience more of your must-dos before the parks really get busy." Advertisement And she says families can also look out for promotional events, such as discounted ticket bundles, which are often released outside of peak travel windows. Plus booking far in advance is one of the most effective ways to reduce costs - with Laura recommending that families begin planning roughly 11 months or more before their adventure. What's more, getting ahead allows holidaymakers to grab the best resort offers along with meal plans and the best flight prices. She said: "I think if you book in advance as well, that's when the prices tend to be better. "Ideally you can book the holiday up to a year in advance - and I think for Walt Disney in Advertisement "About 11 months to a year before, you can generally start looking and booking things." For those looking to get the most out of their trip to Disney World while on a budget, Laura recommends the 14-day Magic Ticket. MAGIC TICKET Working out at only €45 per person per day, this option covers all four theme parks and two water parks, includes the Memory Maker photo pass, and even allows park hopping. The ticket also includes entry to selected mini-golf courses and gives families much better per-day value compared to shorter options. She said: 'A 14-day Magic Ticket works out at approximately €45 per person, per day, but on-the-gate prices for a single day ticket can set you back roughly €217." Advertisement And when it comes to food, there are several ways families can reduce their daily spending without compromising on meals. Laura advises packing snacks from home or stopping at supermarkets like 'LOTS OF WAYS TO SAVE' Families should also bring reusable bottles to make use of free water stations that are available at most restaurants on site. What's more, Laura recommends mixing quick-service dining with occasional sit-down meals to keep the overall costs down. She said: "So if we are talking about Walt Disney World, there are lots of ways to save money. Advertisement "You can take your own food into the parks, so you don't particularly have to pay for stuff at the restaurants. 'January and February are a really good time to go because they're a lot quieter and a lot cheaper." Laura Shamel "What I tend to do is take a Lyft or an Uber to a Walmart or Target and stock up on water, snacks, cereal bars, crisps, pretzels – you name it. "I'll always tell clients to take a reusable water bottle, and you can get a free cup of ice water and just pour it in there. "Otherwise a bottle of water could cost you about $4 - and obviously it's so important to stay hydrated in that Florida heat." There are also reusable mugs for the resorts that give you access to unlimited drinks for only $24.99, saving you hundreds on a two-week trip. Advertisement What's more, the Disney Dining plan is another major way to save money. Part of the plan, meals work out around $20 per person and gives you access to a number of different eateries across the park. And Laura said this is one of the best ways to stick to your budget while indulging in all of the delicious food Disney has to offer. She said: "Disney can be overwhelming with little ones, so take regular breaks to recharge and take advantage of air-conditioned areas and quick service food options. "Parents can also take advantage of Rider Switch, where adults can take turns on rides without waiting in line twice. Advertisement "Staying in a Disney hotel comes with perks like early park entry and complimentary transport around the property, as well as free and fun activities like movies under the stars. "And if meeting Mickey, Winnie the Pooh or your favourite princess is high on your list, a character dining experience is the way to go. "You'll get hugs, autographs and plenty of photo opportunities, all while enjoying a meal in the comfort of an air-conditioned restaurant. "While they can be on the pricier side, the time saved (and the memories made) often make it worth every penny." SPECIAL FUND Laura also revealed an easy hack for families in order to save for their dream trip. Advertisement She said: "Have a Disney fund. Disney is such a magical holiday, and I think it's on most people's bucket list. "Maybe don't have a takeaway on that Saturday night, cook at home and then put that money on a card or in a pot and save it for your Disney fund. "Any kind of extra cash, put it in a Disney fund." Travel agent Laura knows how important the planning process can be, especially when it's a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Laura said: "Disney parks are magical but complex, with everything from booking rides to food choices having optimal strategies, which is why partnering with external experts to help lessen the financial burden for families is so important. Advertisement "And that comes at no additional charge – I'm just here as the planner. "I can send them itineraries, restaurant guides, and ride information, and let clients know the best days to visit certain parks." 3 Laura said there are many ways to make a Disney trip cheaper
Irish Independent
5 hours ago
- Irish Independent
US airlines consider calling on Trump to weigh into Dublin Airport cap row
Keith Glatz, the senior vice president, international affairs, for Airlines for America, insisted the cap is in direct violation of the Open Skies agreement between the United States and the EU that permits extensive access rights to each jurisdiction for carriers from either region. Dublin Airport's passenger cap limits passenger numbers to 32 million a year. It's a planning condition attached in 2007 to the construction of Terminal 2. The government pledged in its election manifesto to remove the cap as soon as possible. However, it remains in place. Airlines for America represents major US carriers, such as Delta, United, American Airlines and JetBlue, which also serve Dublin. Mr Glatz said Airlines for America has so far not raised the cap issue directly with the US government. He added that Donald Trump has been clear that he wants to 'right-size' the US relationship with global governments where US businesses are being treated unfairly or governments are not complying with international obligations. 'It would be a shame for this issue to get co-opted into this larger dispute,' he said. 'It's eminently solvable. I just don't see any rationale for a cap on flights between the US and Dublin.' 'We've been trying over the last year to make sure this issue never got onto the agenda on the White House,' said Mr Glatz, adding that the lobby group has been trying to take every step short of asking the US government to intervene. 'Once I make that request, then it's out of our hands. The Irish government can solve this before it becomes a larger trade dispute,' he added. 'We're still optimistic that that's what's going to happen and that's our goal.' 'Any time the Irish government fails to comply with its international obligations under any treaty, aviation or otherwise, it endangers Irish business interests abroad.' Mr Glatz declined to speculate as to what specific measures the US government could take if the issue is not satisfactorily addressed. However, it's possible that the US government could take reciprocal measures that might impact Aer Lingus, for example. Any such measures could hamper its route network from Dublin to the United States, where it now serves almost 20 cities. 'The time to act is now,' said Mr Glatz. 'This doesn't need to turn into a dispute that would rise to the level of some of the others that you've seen between the US and EU that are currently ongoing.' The Irish government has touted potential legislation to deal with the cap. However, that could take months – even until next year, before it's law. 'I think it's in the very interest of this [Irish] government to act as soon as possible to get this legislation sorted,' said Mr Glatz. 'I am extremely optimistic that when the Irish government puts its mind to doing what is right for the Irish citizenry, we're not talking about a year, we're probably taking about a couple of months.' Mr Glatz said Airlines for America is also raising the cap issue with US media this week.
The Journal
6 hours ago
- The Journal
An extra one MILLION nights booked in Airbnb-style accommodation last year compared to 2023
ALMOST 7.5M GUEST nights were booked on leading online booking platforms for short-term tourist accommodation in Ireland last year – up almost 15% on 2023 levels. Figures published by the European Commission show almost one million additional guest nights were spent in such accommodation in the Republic in 2024 compared to the previous year. The figures, which are based on bookings made by holidaymakers through Airbnb, Expedia and Tripadvisor, confirm a strong performance by the tourist industry in 2024 both in Ireland and across the EU. They reveal that tourists from abroad accounted for approximately three-quarters of all guest nights in such accommodation in Ireland last year booking over 5.5m nights – up 17%. The rate of growth was more sluggish among Irish holidaymakers with over 1.9m guest nights recorded in the domestic segment of the market in 2024 – an annual increase of 10%. On a regional level, the figures highlight how bookings are spread relatively evenly around the country with almost 2.8m guest nights spent in short-stay tourist accommodation last year in the Southern region which includes Cork, Kerry, Clare, Waterford, Wexford and Kilkenny – up 14% yearly. A total of 2.35m guest nights were booked in the Northern and Western regions which includes Galway and Mayo as well as most counties in the border region representing an annual increase of almost 14%. However, the biggest growth was recorded in the Eastern and Midland region which includes Dublin and other counties in mid- and north Leinster where guest nights were up over 17% to almost 2.3m. At the same time, Eastern and Midland is the only one of the three Irish regions, based on EU classifications, which has still not exceeded its pre-pandemic number of bookings. Despite last year's strong performance, the number of guest nights spent in Eastern and Midland is still 24% below the 3m recorded in 2019. Advertisement In contrast, the number of guest nights in the Northern and Western region in 2024 was 39% ahead of pre-pandemic levels, while the figure for Southern was 27%. Overall, guest nights across Ireland booked via online platforms last year were up almost 8% on 2019 levels. The latest figures show the Eastern and Midland region – largely due to Dublin's presence – is the most popular region for such stays among foreign visitors with just over 2m last year. However, Dublin does not feature in the list of the top 20 of Europe's most popular city destinations based on guest nights arranged through online booking platforms. Paris was again the favourite location with 23.5m guest nights – the equivalent of almost 65,000 guests daily in the French capital. Across the EU, bookings soared to a record-breaking 854m guest nights last year – up almost 19% on 2023 figures with an extra 135m guest nights. Ireland is ranked in 15th place behind Sweden (8m) and ahead of Denmark (7.3m). The figures published by Eurostat are the result of a landmark agreement reached in 2020 between the European Commission and the four leading platforms providing short-term accommodation booking services. It excludes figures for other types of accommodation such as hotels or campsites. The latest figures show solid growth in the number of guest nights booked online in the first quarter of 2025 across the EU – up 4.8% compared to the same period last year to 129.6m guest nights. However, numbers are up less than 1% in Ireland to just over 904,000. The figures will no longer include data on Tripadvisor since the start of 2025 as the company has exited the short-stay accommodation sector. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
