The UK's Foreign Office has issued a stark warning for British holidaymakers heading to Europe, as several countries face severe heatwaves that are putting public safety at risk. The travel advice update comes as France is gripped by an unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures set to soar above 40C in parts of the country, including Nantes and Bordeaux.
France's national meteorological service, Météo-France, has placed a record-breaking 58 departments under a red heatwave alert, while Spain's state weather agency, Aemet, has issued similar warnings for regions such as Cantabria and País Vasco. On Monday alone, a staggering 101 of Aemet's 828 weather stations recorded temperatures at or above 40C.
Portugal is also bracing itself for extreme heat, with the Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) issuing orange alerts for much of northern Portugal. Temperatures in areas like Bragança could reach a sweltering 35C, prompting concerns about public safety and health risks.
Meanwhile, Italy has declared red alerts for 16 cities, including Rome, Milan, and Florence, where temperatures are expected to hit 41C. The Netherlands and Germany are also experiencing heat stress, with the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) issuing a code orange for extreme heat and the German Meteorological Service (DWD) warning of strong to extreme heat stress across large parts of the country.
As temperatures continue to soar, residents in affected areas are finding innovative ways to cope. Amsterdam has introduced 'cool-down' spots in public spaces like libraries and community centres, providing a welcome respite from the heat.