Should I cancel my holiday in Europe because of the heatwave and would I get a refund?

Sizzling conditions have swept across southern Europe, with countries like Greece, Italy and Spain seeing temperatures as high as 41C.

Many of the impacted countries are popular destinations for UK holidaymakers - so should you still go ahead with your planned journey despite the scorching weather? And if you cancel, will you get your money back?

How hot has it been?

Much of southern Europe has been in the high 30s, while some parts of southern Italy and areas in Greece have been in the low-to-mid 40s, which is eight to 12 degrees above the seasonal average for the region.

The hottest temperature recorded was around 45C.

Why is this a problem?

It has caused environmental and health issues, leading to a strain on local emergency services during a busy tourist period.

In Greece, thousands of people have fled coastal resorts as wind-fuelled fires ripped through the countryside.

And for a fourth consecutive day, a wildfire burned on La Palma in Spain's Canary Islands. 400 firefighters and nine water-dumping aircraft have been deployed to tackle the blaze.

In Italy, health officials warned of extreme temperatures in 23 cities, from Bolzano in the north to Palermo in the south.

Last week, a 44-year-old man, who was painting a zebra crossing in 40C heat in the northern town of Lodi, lost consciousness and later died in hospital, local media reported.

More than 2,000 people have been evacuated as a wildfire raged on La Palma in the Canary Islands, while authorities in Greece opened air-conditioned areas in public buildings.

Will it get hotter?

Forecasters say in the coming days parts of Italy and Greece could push the 48.8C recorded in Syracuse, Sicily in August 2021, the highest temperature ever recorded in Europe.

When will it end?

The hot weather is set to continue for at least another week, especially in Greece and parts of Turkey.

It will ease slightly in countries across western Europe, such as Spain and Portugal in the next few days, the Met Office said.

Is it safe to travel in Europe?

Flights and holiday packages are continuing as normal, according to trade association ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents).

Britons have been advised to stay hydrated, apply sun cream and avoid being in the sun at midday while on holiday.

Forecaster Simon Partridge says: “It’s a massive shock to the system when you’re there, so give yourself a chance to get used to the heat.”

The Foreign Office recommended people check travel advice on its website.

Ceri McMillan, travel insurance expert with GoCompare.com says that if you're planning on travelling despite the heat it's important to have adequate travel insurance and an in-date Global Health Insurance (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) card.

She added: "It is always important to plan ahead, but it is also a good idea to avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day and check local government advice in the country you intend to travel to as well.”

Will I be reimbursed if I cancel my holiday because of the heat?

You're not entitled to get money back from the airline you're flying with as airlines are not liable for compensation if a trip is cancelled due to factors beyond their control, travel expert Sally Gethin tells ITV News.

However, she says it's still worth getting in touch with your airline or travel operator directly to see what they can offer you.

"The amount of people that will be calling travel companies at this time is going to help sway your argument," Ms Gethin says.

"Because it's a freak situation affecting so many, it's likely that travel companies and some airlines may in fact try and offer greater flexibility for their passengers on a goodwill basis."

Having scoured travel insurance terms and conditions over the years, Ms Gethin said it is also unlikely consumers on standard policies will find themselves entitled to money back.

"Normally, there is an exclusion in a lot of travel insurance for 'force majeure' - when something is extreme and beyond what you'd normally get. So I can't see that travel companies would give you back your money," she told ITV News.

GoCompare's Ms McMillan said if you have a pre-existing health conditions that puts you in an at-risk group, "it is worth checking with your travel insurance provider, as there may be grounds for a claim".

She adds: "It is also important to keep an eye on the foreign travel advice from the government, as you may also have grounds for a claim if they advise it as a place that is not safe to travel to. It is important to note that you won’t be covered if you travel against the government’s advice".

Oli Townsend, from consumer champion MoneySavingExpert, said many hotel bookings are "cancellable up to a certain point – usually 24 or 48 hours before your stay".

He adds: “If the Foreign Office does issue official guidance not to travel, then package holiday firms should refund you under the Package Travel Regulations".Will I even enjoy my holiday amid the heatwave?

Holidaymakers should consider whether the quality of their trip will be impacted by the heat. If you planned activities or wanted to visit attractions or doing activities, check if they will be open/running.

In Athens, where temperatures hit 41C, officials decided to keep the sun-baked Acropolis monument closed from noon to 5:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Sarah Gatenby, producer for ITV show Lorraine, said conditions in Rhodes, a Greek island she's currently holidaying in, are "not comfortable at all".

She said on Monday: "I've never experienced anything quite like it. We were on the beach in the shade - my flip flops melted and I knew we were really in trouble.

"We've spent the last couple of days hanging out in this lovely, cool air-conned part of the hotel in reception, playing cards and reading books."

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Why is the heatwave happening?

The high temperatures are being driven by a high pressure system that is sat across the region, allowing temperatures to build day by day.

Warm air brought in from Africa is trapped.

Why is it called Cerberus?

The heatwave was named by the Italian Meteorological Society after the three-headed dog in ancient Greek mythology who guarded the gates to the underworld.

Is the UK affected by the extreme weather?

A low-pressure system was directed towards the country because of the weather in Europe, and has not moved, causing the recent wind and rain.

Temperatures have been slightly below average for the time of year.

The unsettled and cooler-than-average weather is predicted to continue for the “next few weeks”, the Met Office said.