Sally Urwin, 49, and her two teenage sons made the decision to return from Rhodes as the mercury climbed above 40C. Originally planning to stay for a week, the scorching heatwave confined them to their hotel, which turned was sweltering according to Sally.
The author and her sons, aged 16 and 13, flew back to the UK on July 16, just in time to welcome the refreshing rainfall. Sally, from Matfen, Northumberland, said: “It was suffocating. I’ve worked in Texas and all over the globe, but it was just suffocating.”
The intense heat made them feel “faint, dizzy, and unwell”, leading to a loss of appetite.
Reflecting on the experience, Sally vowed to avoid visiting southern European destinations in July and August in the future, especially when accompanied by children. She plans to adjust her travel plans and opt for travel in May to avoid the scorching summer temperatures.
Sally took her two children to the picturesque island of Rhodes while her husband, a farmer, stayed back home.
She said temperatures soared above 40C, making it bearable only during the early morning and late evening hours. Sally said: “It was at least 43C by the time we left. The way hotel was designed was all faux marble and was like giant oven.”
After sharing her experience online, Sally faced criticism from internet trolls who dismissed her concerns, suggesting she had never been abroad before or the heatwave was normal for summer. However, Sally disagreed, emphasising the heat became increasingly unbearable during their stay.
She explained, “When we got there it was hot. I’ve been a lot of hot holidays, but it got hotter and hotter.
“We were all covered in sunblock and the only way we could stay cool was sitting in the water. The kids were so bored because we couldn’t do anything.
“I felt a bit worried for some of the older British people out there, some were a bit frail and not going outside at all. It was lovely to be back in the UK – it’s rainy, wet and cold, it’s refreshing to be back.”
Returning to the UK brought relief for Sally and her family, as they embraced the rainy, wet, and cold weather.
The Cerberus heatwave is attributed to high pressure over the southern Mediterranean and unusually high sea surface temperatures, preventing the inland flow of cooler air.
The heatwave is expected to persist for a few more days, with locals and holidaymakers advised to exercise caution.
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