What can you do if it's just too hot to holiday?

How hot is too hot? As the recent heatwaves in the UK have demonstrated, hot weather is appreciated, but not if we don't have the means to tackle a prolonged spell of heat.

- MARTYN JAMES

I'm from the North, I work from home (no aircon) and I live in a city, so I've had a vivid reminder about how ill-equipped I am to cope with a little hot weather. Yet over in Europe and around the world, temperatures are already hitting 40 degrees - and we've not even reached the height of summer.

Surveys have recently shown that the majority of Brits are amending their holiday plans to avoid extreme weather. But if you've already booked, or aren't sure what to do, what are your rights if the weather is poised to wreck your trip?

What is 'extreme weather'?

There are lots of definitions of extreme weather, but leaving aside typhoons and hurricanes, the term can refer to any unusual weather pattern that could have a significant impact or result in danger. This could include; flooding, high temperatures, wildfires as a consequence of weather events, extreme cold, storms and storm surges.

Can I cancel my holiday?