An intense heatwave has been sweeping much of southern Europe this week, with many of the Continent’s most popular vacation destinations pushing past 40°C (104°F) and some places even hitting the high 40s.
From the bustling streets of Barcelona to the scenic coastlines of Split, soaring temperatures are testing infrastructure, raising health concerns, and prompting official warnings for locals and tourists alike.
Here’s a breakdown of what travelers can expect in each European country currently facing extreme summer conditions.
Spain
Southern Spain is bearing the brunt of the heat, with cities like Seville reaching a blistering 46°C (115°F) over the weekend. The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) warns that extreme temperatures are expected to continue through at least the middle of the week. Tourists are being urged to stay out of direct sunlight during peak hours and to hydrate frequently.
Italy
More than 20 cities across Italy have been placed under red-alert status due to dangerous heat levels. Regions such as Tuscany and Lazio are reporting a surge in hospital visits linked to heat stroke and dehydration. According to Meteo.it, temperatures may drop to more manageable levels—around the high 20s to low 30s Celsius—by the end of the week.
France
Mainland France has also been hit hard, with much of the country under a severe heat alert. Although not quite as hot as Spain or Italy, temperatures have soared high enough to prompt warnings across nearly the entire country. French officials are encouraging residents and visitors to take shelter indoors during the hottest part of the day.
Portugal
Portugal’s Directorate-General for Health (DGS) has issued a public health alert and recommends avoiding outdoor activity between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. as temperatures across the country continue to hover around 40°C. The government is also advising people to keep cool by using fans or air conditioning and to check in on vulnerable individuals.
Turkey
In Turkey’s Izmir region, the combination of extreme heat and dry conditions has sparked a wildfire, adding another layer of trouble to the ongoing weather crisis. The worsening summer weather can be attributed to climate change, with hotter, longer summers increasing the likelihood of such disasters.
Croatia
The Adriatic coast, including parts of Croatia and neighboring Balkan countries, experienced temperatures close to 40°C (104°F) over the weekend. Forecasts suggest the heat will continue for the next few days. Tourists enjoying the beaches are being cautioned to avoid too much sun exposure and drink plenty of water.
What’s Behind the Heatwave?
This heatwave is reportedly being caused by a “heat dome”—a weather pattern where high atmospheric pressure traps hot air over a region, intensifying temperatures day after day. The situation is made worse by hot air drifting in from North Africa and ongoing greenhouse gas emissions. According to TimeOut, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called this kind of extreme weather “the new normal.”
Is It Safe to Travel?
So far, there are no official travel advisories warning against visiting these countries. However, travelers are strongly advised to take precautions: avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours, wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and seek out shade or air-conditioned spaces. With proper planning, it is still possible to enjoy your trip—just be prepared for the heat.
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