Holidaymakers told to prepare for ‘record-breaking temperatures’ in Europe this summer

An extreme hurricane season lies on the horizon

Mammatt says some indicators show we may experience a powerful hurricane season in 2024.

“It has been predicted that it is likely to be a very active hurricane season, due in part to these high sea surface temperatures. Last summer, we were in an El Niño phase, which suppressed hurricane development. This year, we are coming back into a La Niña phase which means we have more favourable hurricane formation conditions. 

“Whilst the hurricanes themselves will hit countries on the over side of the Atlantic, ex-hurricanes have the capability to track back across the ocean and bring heavy rain and strong winds to Europe. However, this is very uncertain as it is partly reliant on the position of the jet stream, which is much harder to predict in advance,” Mammatt adds.

I am anxious about my holiday, can I cancel?

The Foreign Office has not updated its travel warnings to Greece, Turkey, Cyprus or Spain as a result of the recent extreme weather patterns.

ATOL-protected tour operators must offer a refund or reschedule your holiday if there are “extraordinary” or “unavoidable” circumstances which will significantly alter the nature of your holiday. 

At present, the hot weather, wildfires and heavy rains do not represent extraordinary or unavoidable circumstances, and therefore it is unlikely that you would be given a refund or option to reschedule your holiday. However, bear in mind you can transfer your holiday to somebody else for a nominal fee. 

Failing that, if you really don’t want to proceed with your getaway package, you may wish to call your agent or operator to see if you can change the dates, although given that we don’t have an accurate forecast for the summer holidays, there is nothing to say you won’t be postponing your holiday from a perfectly pleasant week to one with unfavourable conditions. So hold tight, for now.