Hundreds of British holidaymakers are bracing themselves for the worst as Europe's scorching heatwave intensifies, with temperatures soaring to record highs in popular destinations. From the sun-kissed beaches of Spain and France to the ancient ruins of Italy and Greece, the continent is gripped by a severe heat crisis.
In France, where 40C temperatures have already been recorded in areas like Aude, Météo-France has issued orange weather alerts for most regions, indicating a heightened risk due to the extreme heat. Bordeaux and Montpellier are among the cities sweltering under the hot conditions, with highs of 38C forecasted until at least Wednesday.
Spain's Aemet agency has sounded the alarm over a special heatwave notice for several regions, including the Ebro valley and Pyrenees valleys, which will remain in effect until 9th July. Temperatures between 40C and 42C are expected in some areas, with the Valencian coast and pre-coastal zones potentially reaching as high as 44C.
Portugal's IPMA weather agency has also issued red warnings for much of its eastern border, where temperatures of 41C are predicted in Portalegre and Castelo Branco. Meanwhile, Italy's nine cities under orange weather warnings on Wednesday are facing highs up to 37C in cities like Verona, Milan, and Florence.
In Greece, the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS) has issued yellow warnings for high air temperatures and thunderstorms along the west coast, Ionian Islands, and Central Makedonia. Temperatures are expected to reach 35C in these areas, while Croatia's DHMZ weather service has also issued yellow warnings for regions including Rijeka and Istria.
Practical Advice for UK Travellers:
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises British travellers to check local weather forecasts and official warnings regularly. To stay safe in the heat, it's essential to drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty, and seek shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Wearing light, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat can also help protect against the extreme heat. Travellers should ensure their travel insurance covers heat-related health issues and any potential disruptions caused by extreme weather or wildfires currently affecting areas in France, Portugal, Greece, and Spain.