Europe heatwave 2026: Live travel advice, countries affected, airport disruption and where it's safe to visit


It’s not simply the UK that’s experiencing a scorching heatwave this summer time – a lot of countries in Europe are experiencing even hotter climate than us proper now. While England recorded its warmest-ever June this 12 months (with temperatures reaching a most of 37.7°C in Norfolk), countries comparable to SpainFrance and Portugal have additionally skilled extreme warmth spikes, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in some areas. Earlier this month, a wildfire outbreak compelled an evacuation of over 10,000 individuals in Southern France; there are additionally experiences of blazes in Portugal, Greece and Spain.

While the local weather information could make for heavy studying, it’s vital to stay knowledgeable so as to keep safe this summer time – right here’s the newest travel recommendation and data you want in case you are presently holidaying in Europe or you could have an upcoming journey deliberate.

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Which European countries are experiencing warmth waves?

Spain

According to Aemet, Spain’s principal meteorological service, the nation’s temperatures are solely rising – with each orange and pink climate alerts being issued to date this July. Barcelona registered a most temperature of 40.7°C on 8 July, the best in 112 years, whereas forecasts are predicting 40°C+ warmth for the approaching days, significantly in Andalusia and North East Spain in the direction of the border with France.

Portugal

Similarly, components of Portugal have seen blistering warmth in 2026 – the nation reported its highest-ever May temperature (40.3°C) earlier this 12 months. But Portugal is presently not being affected by the worst of the European heatwave – southern areas are typically experiencing their traditional temperatures of round 29-32°C for July. Current steerage is that Portugal isn’t anticipated to expertise probably the most excessive temperatures this time round, although it stays advisable to keep watch over the climate forecast, as circumstances can change shortly.

France

France has arguably been probably the most affected by this summer time’s heatwaves. The majority of the nation presently has orange climate warnings in place, in accordance to Meteo France. Temperatures in Bordeaux are anticipated to attain highs of 38 and 39 levels this week, with related highs in Nantes and Perpignan. In June, the Eiffel Tower was compelled to shut and 68,000 households had been left with out electrical energy in western France as temperatures rose past 43°C.

Italy

Like different components of Europe, Italy is presently experiencing its third heatwave of the summer time, with temperatures already reaching 39 levels. The nation is presently beneath a yellow climate warning for thunderstorms – temperatures are anticipated to attain the mid-30s within the coming week.

Greece

Greece has been affected by excessive warmth to date this summer time, with a lot of wildfires breaking out throughout the nation – although, like Italy, it’s presently extra susceptible to thunderstorms than excessive warmth (yellow climate warnings are in place in Skiathos, Athens and Thessaloniki). However, specialists predict that Greece is probably going to be affected by ongoing heatwaves in future, so it’s at all times greatest to test the forecast and native steerage.

The Balkans

Those within the Balkans have additionally witnessed record-breaking temperatures this summer time, with highs of 39 levels in Serbia and wildfires breaking out throughout Croatia and southern Albania. Currently nonetheless, temperatures within the Balkans have largely returned to regular for this time of 12 months – although there are climate warnings for thunderstorms in components of Romania.



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