Travel warning issued to tourists amid extreme rain and 40°C temperatures in holiday hotspots
Wild weather conditions could affect travel
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Holidaymakers jetting off to Spain and Greece have been issued a warning as extreme weather sweeps both countries.
Scorching temperatures are expected to hit parts of Greece as several regions across Spain contend with flash floods.
Spain is expecting more rain as it deals with flash flooding in Palma, Majorca, leaving holidaymakers stranded at airports.
A weather station at the travel hub recorded rainfall of nearly 5cm (2in) per hour, peaking at up to 9cm (3.5in) in less than an hour.
Operations have come to a halt at Palma airport
Severe weather conditions on the island have stirred chaos at Palma de Mallorca Airport, where planes were forced to land after runways became flooded. Upcoming flights are also expected to be re-routed.
A freak storm has brought all activity to a halt at Spain’s third-biggest airport, in Son Sant Joan, due to the impossibility “of operating safely”, according to Spain’s meteorological agency Aena.
The operator warned last week that there would be a dramatic shift in weather conditions starting on Friday, with cities like Barcelona expecting to be battered this week.
It comes as a yellow weather warning has been issued in Murcia, in southeastern Spain, where 25 litres of rain are expected.
The Aegean Sea, which extends off the coast of Greece, will likely be hit hardest by the heatwave, raising the risk of wildfires.
Temperatures in Greece could climb to 41°C as a heat blast sweeps the Mediterranean stretch of the continent.
According to the Met Office, temperatures will exceed 40°C in the capital of Athens on Thursday, with “sunny intervals” and clouds expected throughout the day.
The weather agency also said temperatures typically exceed 30°C in the summer, when holidaymakers can enjoy “unbroken sunshine”.
“Those still looking for some heat, but prefer it a little cooler should visit in spring or autumn,” the website added.
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Weather conditions have triggered concerns about wildfires
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It comes as weather conditions in the UK are also expected to take a turn, with a wet and windy weekend ahead.
The Environmental Agency has issued 11 amber flood alerts across England, with the Met Office warning thunderstorms could affect swathes of Britain as of Thursday.
A Met Office spokesperson said: "Outbreaks of rain pushing northeastward across the UK through Thursday, accompanied by brink winds in the southwest.
"Sunny spells and heavy, thundery showers through Friday and Saturday. Staying rather cool and breezy."