‘Hotter & More Dangerous’: As Europe Battles Heatwave, Should Indian Travellers Change Plans?

Last Updated:July 01, 2025, 20:19 IST

Europe's heatwave: Amid soaring temperatures and red alerts, a guide on what you should be prepared for on your trip to Europe

Tourists with an umbrella walk in front of the ancient Parthenon temple at the Acropolis Hill in Greece. (AP)

Southern Europe is battling a harsh heatwave, which has put several cities into crisis mode.

Paris is on red alert; Spain and Portugal are seeing record-breaking temperatures; while Italy, Germany, and the UK have issued heat alerts, with warnings of possibility of new highs. In Turkey, strong winds have worsened forest fires, forcing temporary closure of Izmir airport and evacuation of villages in Hatay and other provinces. In France, wildfires have destroyed nearly 400 hectares in southern Aude, while misting stations have been set up in Paris to help people cope with the heat.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, tweeting from Seville where the temperature reached 42°C, said, “Extreme heat is no longer a rare event, it has become the new normal." He called for urgent action on climate change, noting that the planet is “getting hotter & more dangerous."

Dr. Hans Kluge of the World Health Organisation’s Europe office also raised concerns, warning that older adults, children, outdoor workers, and people with chronic conditions face heightened health risks.

Here’s your guide on how different European countries are coping with the heatwave and what you should be prepared for:

Spain: It is under red alert. Barcelona recorded the hottest June in over 100 years. Temperatures have already crossed 44°C in some cities. While a dip is expected later this week, tourists have been advised to stay indoors during peak hours and keep hydrated. 

Portugal: It has issued red heat warnings across districts. Mora recorded 46.6°C, potentially a new June record. Wildfire risks are high, and restrictions are in place in some forest areas. Tourists have been advised to follow local advisories and avoid remote hiking trails.

France: It has issued red alerts in more than a dozen regions, including Paris. Over 1,300 schools have been fully or partially shut. Paris recorded its hottest June night, and misting stations are now active. Authorities advise avoiding outdoor activities during the day.

Italy: Italy has placed 21 cities under red alert, including Rome, Milan, and Florence. Outdoor work has been restricted in regions like Lombardy. Health officials report a spike in hospital visits. Travellers should be cautious, especially in older urban areas with limited shade.

Germany: Southern Germany is experiencing extreme heat, with forecasts reaching up to 39°C. Water use from lakes and rivers has been restricted in several towns. Travellers visiting outdoor attractions or nature parks should plan early morning visits and carry plenty of water. At the Berlin Zoo, measures were taken to protect animals from the heat, elephants were showered, and bears received frozen fruit treats.

Greece: Greece continues to battle wildfires, with blazes breaking out south of Athens and on the island of Chios. Temperatures near 40°C have worsened the fire risk. Authorities are monitoring popular tourist regions closely. Visitors should check for local travel advisories before heading out.

United Kingdom: The UK is seeing its hottest start to summer in years. London reached 33 °C at Heathrow, and Wimbledon posted its hottest opening day at 32.9 °C. The national weather service issued heat warnings, with sudden protocols allowing players mid-match breaks above 30.1 °C.

Turkey: Over 1,500 people evacuated in Hatay province alone due to fires near residential areas.

News explainers ‘Hotter & More Dangerous’: As Europe Battles Heatwave, Should Indian Travellers Change Plans?