VI
EN
The Old Continent is experiencing one of the most extreme heatwaves in history, as a massive "heat dome" from Central Europe combines with hot air masses from the Mediterranean to create an unprecedented storm of high temperatures.
This extreme weather situation has not only pushed temperatures to record levels but has also severely impacted all aspects of life, especially the tourism industry in many famous countries. Authorities from France, the UK, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Austria, and many other countries have had to issue urgent travel warnings, urging residents and tourists to exercise extreme caution.
In the City of Lights, Paris, the iconic Eiffel Tower was forced to close its top floor on July 1st and 2nd, a rare move in history, due to a "red heat alert" – the highest level of warning. Many towns and cities across France saw temperatures exceed 37 degrees Celsius on June 3rd, and even more alarmingly, raging wildfires led to emergency evacuations, threatening the lives of thousands of people.
In Paris, the top level of the Eiffel Tower was closed due to a red heat warning, the highest level of alert.
Spain is experiencing alarming temperature records. In El Granado, temperatures have soared, setting a new record for June in the country's history, according to the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET). June 2025 has been recorded as the hottest June ever known in Spain. Not only on land, but even the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Spain reached a record temperature of 30 degrees Celsius, 6 degrees Celsius higher than the seasonal average, raising concerns about the marine ecosystem.
In this area, the heatwave also affects the lives of local people and the tourism experience of visitors.
Some areas of Italy have had to ban outdoor work during the hottest hours of the day, as the country issued a red heatwave alert for 17 major cities, including Milan and Rome. The surge in air conditioning use has put significant pressure on the power grid, forcing some localities to implement rolling blackouts.
To protect workers, the Italian Ministry of Labour and union representatives signed a guidance document on July 2nd, outlining specific regulations such as avoiding work during the hottest part of the day and calling for expanded access to unemployment benefits for seasonal agricultural workers whose working hours have been reduced due to extreme heat.
If you're planning a trip to Europe, you need to make sure you stay informed and maintain good health.
The German National Meteorological Agency (DWD) issued a warning about "extremely high" temperatures, potentially reaching 40 degrees Celsius in some areas. In Berlin, a young strawberry vendor likened her stall to a "sauna," and her supervisor told her to close if she felt unwell.
The heatwave has also caused serious disruptions to transportation. Germany's national railway company, Deutsche Bahn, warned of service disruptions in the west of the country, where the highest temperatures were recorded. Even in the northwest, near the city of Bremen, the heat caused the highway surface to warp in some places, creating a hazard for vehicles. The extreme high temperatures come as Germany is already experiencing an unusually hot and dry period in the first half of the year, increasing the risk of wildfires and causing river levels to drop, affecting waterway traffic.
Travelers, especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions, should exercise caution during the extreme heat in Europe.
In Greece, tourists visiting the famous Acropolis resorted to using umbrellas and fans to protect themselves from the heat, which reached over 40 degrees Celsius last week. Meanwhile, in Portugal, the city of Mora recorded temperatures as high as 46 degrees Celsius in recent days, making outdoor living a real challenge.
Extreme heat has many negative consequences for human health.
This extreme heatwave has gripped western and southern Europe, then spread eastward, prompting warnings in many cities and countries. Travelers, especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions, should exercise extreme caution.
Locals and tourists should take precautions when going outdoors in this weather.
Experts recommend avoiding direct sunlight by staying in the shade, especially during the hot midday hours (approximately 11 am to 3 pm). If air conditioning is unavailable, cool your skin with a damp towel. Useful accessories for hot weather such as sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, umbrellas, water bottles, and sunscreen should be brought along when traveling to ensure your health and safety.
This summer is presenting unprecedented challenges for Europe, demanding adaptation and a high level of awareness from each individual to overcome this historic heatwave.
