As British health authorities warn people to keep out of the sun due to extreme temperatures, similar groups across Europe are releasing guidance for holidaymakers.
France has recorded its highest ever temperature this week, while community spaces in the Netherlands are being opened to the public as “cool-down” spots.
In Spain, the national weather agency is warning that extreme caution should be exercised. Temperatures are expected to reach 35C in Italy and northern Portugal, where thunderstorms are also expected.
Here are the European holiday hotspots with heatwave warnings issued for this week.
Read more: 40C in June must be wake-up call on climate crisis, scientists warn
France
France’s national meteorological service, Meteo France, has placed 58 departments under a red heat wave alert as of Wednesday.
Extreme conditions are expected to last in the country at least until the end of the week, with daytime highs above 40C in several areas, including Nantes and Bordeaux.
Yesterday, Tuesday 23 June, the country recorded its hottest ever day with Pissos, in western France, recording temperatures of 44.3C. A reported 40 people have drowned while swimming in unsupervised areas since the heatwave began.
“Thursday will be another sweltering day, with temperatures remaining high across much of the country”, said Meteo France.
An update from the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) on extreme temperatures warned: “In summer months, there is a risk of higher than normal temperatures in France. Check current weather forecasts and read about how to protect yourself on the Meteo France website.”
Spain
Aemet, the Spanish state weather agency, has issued red weather alerts for “very high maximum temperatures” in Cantabria and País Vasco, where temperatures could surpass 40C on Wednesday.
The weather agency warned: “Extreme danger. Exercise extreme caution!”
Aemet added: “On Monday the 22nd, no fewer than 101 weather stations in the AEMET network (comprising 828 stations) reached or exceeded 40C.”
The FCDO has also updated its advice, writing: “Extreme weather can affect many parts of Spain, particularly over the summer months.
“Follow guidance from the Spanish Ministry of Health for your area.”
Portugal
The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) issued orange alerts for most of northern Portugal on Wednesday.
This includes thunderstorm warnings in the districts of Porto, Bragança, Guarda, Coimbra and Vila Real, with temperatures forecast to reach 35C in Bragança.
The FCDO notes: “In summer months, there is a risk of higher than normal temperatures in Portugal. Check current weather forecasts and read about how to protect yourself on the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere website.”
Italy
After several days of temperatures above 35C, Italian authorities issued a red alert for 16 cities, including Rome, Milan, Florence and Turin, with highs of 41C expected in Florence on Wednesday.
Temperatures could reach highs of 38C in Milan, while Rome and Naples are forecast to remain below 36C, reported AP.
Netherlands
The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) has issued a code orange for extreme heat from this afternoon until at least Friday, except in Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe and the Wadden Islands.
KNMI said: “The heat index will reach eight to 10 in the afternoons over the coming days, and the RIVM National Heat Plan is in effect”.
Maximum temperatures are forecast between 34C and 39C degrees, the highest values in the south and in larger cities.
Amsterdam has rolled out a programme of “cool‑down” spots across the city to provide access to drinking water, toilets and seating. The spaces, mainly situated in the Nieuw‑West neighbourhood, include libraries, community centres, theatres, churches and supermarkets.
Germany
In Germany, strong to extreme heat stress is “expected in large parts of the country until further notice”, said the German Meteorological Service (DWD).
Isolated thunderstorms, heavy rain and heat stress in the west and south west are currently forecast, particularly in the densely populated urban area of Berlin.
An organization responsible for woodland management has warned that the risk of forest fires is high. In a statement, the Conservation Association for German Forests warned: "Lighting any kind of fire in the forest or at the edge of the forest is only permitted at designated fire pits".
Belgium
As of Wednesday, almost all of Belgium is under an orange heat warning until Sunday. Central cities, including Antwerp, are forecast to reach up to 39C on Friday.
The Royal Meteorological Institute in Belgium have warned: “By such very high temperatures, certain measures can be helpful to more sensitive persons: drink regularly, wear lighter clothes, spend your day in a cooler place, regularly follow the health situation, take light food and in smaller portions, keep the doors and windows shut to keep the warmth outside.”
Greece
Much of Greece is under yellow weather warnings until Friday, with highs of 34C in Athens.
The Hellenic National Meteorological Agency said, “Be aware that thunderstorms may occur. Take extra care in exposed areas, like mountains, forests, and open terrain. Disruption to outdoor activities is possible.”
Croatia
The Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ) has issued orange “dangerous” weather warnings for the Rijeka region, Split region and Dubrovnik region – popular tourist destinations for holidaymakers – as temperatures hit 35C.
DHMZ said: “STAY ALERT for heat and high temperature induced health risks in the vulnerable population, in particular, senior citizens and small children. Keep informed and follow advice provided by relevant authorities.”
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