It is going to get cooler, but not just yet, apparently. Europe’s severe heatwave is entering its third week, particularly affecting southern and western regions, with significant impacts on holidaymakers and forecasts indicating continued high temperatures in the coming days. The HSE has issued guidelines for staying safe in hot weather.
In Spain, the heatwave continues to grip the nation, with 118 heat alerts in place across nearly the entire country, excluding parts of the south-east coast like Almería and the north-east, such as Oviedo. Seville is enduring daytime highs above 40°C and night-time temperatures around 25°C, posing health risks due to the lack of overnight cooling. Spain’s Aemet weather agency reports that the extreme heat, which hit a record 46°C in El Granado last week, is expected to persist in many areas, exacerbating wildfire risks and prompting water use restrictions in some regions.
France remains under significant strain, with Météo-France maintaining orange heat alerts for much of the mainland, covering dozens of administrative areas. Paris is among the cities facing temperatures around 40°C, with schools partially or fully closed and the Eiffel Tower shuttered due to the heat. The French government has urged businesses to adjust working hours to protect employees, while firefighters are tackling blazes in the south-west, where a wildfire in Bizanet recently burned 400 hectares.
Italy is also battling intense heat, with the Health Ministry issuing level three “red” alerts for 21 cities, including Rome, where temperatures have climbed to 42°C. Restrictions on outdoor work during peak heat hours have been imposed in regions like Liguria and Sicily, following the deaths of two individuals linked to the heatwave last week.
Germany is bracing for near-record temperatures, with the Deutscher Wetterdienst forecasting highs close to 40°C in some areas, alongside water use restrictions in over 40 districts due to drought-like conditions. The Rhine River’s low levels are disrupting shipping, with cargo vessels operating at reduced capacity.
In Portugal, seven districts remain under red warnings for extreme heat and wildfire risk, with temperatures in Lisbon expected to reach 43°C today. The country recorded its hottest June day ever at 46.6°C in Mora, and authorities are urging vulnerable groups, including the elderly, to stay indoors.
Greece faces ongoing heat alerts, with 14 warnings in place, particularly in coastal areas near Athens, where temperatures are nearing 40°C and wildfire risks remain high after recent blazes damaged homes. The Balkans, including Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro, are also under red heat warnings, with Skopje in North Macedonia expecting temperatures around 42°C and Sarajevo having recorded a record-breaking 38.8°C last week.
Turkey’s European regions, such as East Thrace, are enduring highs of 39.5°C, with over 50,000 people evacuated due to wildfires near Izmir. Belgium has orange heatwave warnings for cities like Bruges and Antwerp, with train cancellations reported due to the weather. Across the continent, the heatwave is driven by a high-pressure system trapping warm air from North Africa. Authorities continue to advise staying hydrated, avoiding midday sun, and checking on vulnerable individuals as Europe grapples with this intense and dangerous heat.
Fire risk continues
Dry conditions and high temperatures have increased wildfire risks, particularly in Greece, Spain, and France. In France, wildfires in the Corbières area forced evacuations, while Greece continues to face heightened fire threats. Drought conditions are worsening across Europe due to low soil moisture and insufficient rainfall, exacerbating fire risks and impacting agriculture.
The heatwave is expected to persist in parts of Europe, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, with temperatures remaining 5-10°C above normal. Forecasts indicate temperatures up to 41-43°C in France, 45°C in Spain and Portugal, and 38-41°C in Italy and the Balkans through mid-week.
Western Europe, including Spain and France, may see slight cooling by the weekend (July 25-26) due to incoming thunderstorms and a weakening heat dome. Eastern Europe, including Bulgaria and Serbia, will likely face peak heat early next week.
A rebound of high-pressure ridging is forecast for late July (Week 29 into early Week 30), potentially bringing another heatwave to Central and Western Europe. However, by the end of July, cooler and more unsettled weather may emerge, offering temporary relief. The persistent heat dome is expected to maintain drought conditions, increasing wildfire risks.
The heatwave has strained power systems, with electricity demand spiking by up to 14% in Spain and 9% in France due to increased air conditioning use. Power prices have doubled in some regions, and France’s nuclear fleet saw capacity reductions of up to 15% due to overheating rivers. Businesses, particularly in tourism-heavy areas, report reduced footfall as holidaymakers avoid outdoor activities during peak heat. For example, a British bakery chain noted a sales slump in June due to high temperatures deterring customers.
The heatwave, driven by a persistent high-pressure system and a heat dome, has brought extreme temperatures across Western, Southern, and Central Europe. Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Greece have seen temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), with peaks of 46.6°C (115.9°F) in Portugal and 46°C (114.8°F) in Spain recorded earlier in the month. Southern France reached up to 43°C (109°F), and Italy reported temperatures above 40°C in 17 major cities. The heat has recently moved eastward, affecting countries like Germany, Poland, and the Balkans, with temperatures in Albania hitting 41°C (106°F) and Bulgaria expecting peaks above 43°C (109°F).
The heatwave has led to significant health risks, with an estimated 2,300 heat-related deaths across 12 European cities between June 23 and July 2. Spain reported seven deaths, including a child left in a car, while France and Italy each confirmed heat-related fatalities. Health warnings have been issued across affected countries, urging people to stay hydrated, avoid midday sun, and protect vulnerable populations like the elderly and those with chronic conditions. Hospital admissions in Italy have risen by 15-20pc due to heat-related illnesses.
In popular destinations like Spain, Greece, Italy, and France, outdoor activities have been curtailed due to extreme heat, with bans on outdoor work in Sicily and Liguria during the hottest hours. In France, the Eiffel Tower’s summit was closed, and visitors were asked to postpone trips. In Spain, attractions like beaches remain crowded, but tourists are advised to avoid midday outings.
Medical officials say that tourists, unaccustomed to such extreme heat, are at high risk of heatstroke and dehydration. A 10-year-old American tourist died at the Palace of Versailles, and a British visitor fainted at the Colosseum in Italy. Free public swimming pools in Marseille and “climate oases” in Italy (e.g., free museum access) have been introduced to help tourists cope.
The tourism sector is experiencing mixed effects. Taxi drivers in Albania report increased earnings due to demand for air-conditioned transport, businesses like restaurants and shops in Paris report reduced customer traffic as people avoid outdoor areas. Cancelled events and reduced productivity among outdoor workers further strain local economies.
Travelers should expect continued disruptions, including potential closures of outdoor attractions and restrictions on water use in cities like Sarajevo. Health advisories will likely remain in place, and tourists are urged to follow local guidelines, such as avoiding outdoor activities between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and using free cooling facilities where available. Wildfire risks may lead to further evacuations in Greece and Spain, impacting holiday plans.
Recommendations for Holidaymakers:
- Stay Informed: Monitor local weather warnings via national meteorological agencies (e.g., AEMET in Spain, Météo-France).
- Health Precautions: Carry water, wear lightweight clothing, and seek shade or air-conditioned spaces during peak heat. Check on vulnerable companions, such as children or the elderly.
- Plan Activities: Opt for early morning or evening outings, and take advantage of free cooling facilities like public pools or climate oases.
- Travel Flexibility: Consider less-affected destinations or shoulder-season travel to avoid extreme heat and overcrowding.
