How long Europe’s 46°C heatwave could last – will it affect your holiday?

Europe is sweltering under extreme heat, with tens of millions preparing for several more days of dangerously high temperatures. Health warnings were issued across the continent as temperatures climbed well above 40°C. The most intense heat is affecting France, Italy, Portugal, and Spain, and conditions are expected to persist through midweek before easing in many areas. At least two people have died in Italy as a result of the high temperatures. (Photo: Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty)

Iberia and France ‘expected to exceed 40°C’

“Heatwave conditions will affect much of continental Europe through this week, with the focus of the most anomalous heat moving south-east with time as the north-west gradually returns towards average next week,” Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon told The i Paper. “Temperatures are widely 5-10°C above average fairly widely, with maximum temperatures reaching into the mid-30s for many, and a few places – mainly Iberia and France – expected to exceed 40°C on multiple days,” he said. “High pressure is helping to build the heat day on day, with another driver of the heat being the unusually warm sea surface temperatures around western Europe, particularly the western Mediterranean.”

How widespread is the heatwave?

Unusually high temperatures are affecting some of Europe’s most popular travel destinations, and experts warn that similar heatwaves will probably continue due to climate change. Spain has been hit hardest by the heat, with a new June temperature record of 46°C set on Saturday afternoon in El Granado, in the Andalusian province of Huelva. This surpasses the previous June high of 45.2°C, recorded in Seville in 1965. Sunday marked the hottest 29 June on record since data collection began in 1950, according to the country’s meteorological agency. The intense heat is forecast to persist through Thursday. At least two fatalities have been reported in Italy as a result of the extreme heat. A 47-year-old man died in Bologna after collapsing at a construction site, while a 70-year-old man drowned during flash flooding at a tourist resort near Turin. The health ministry has issued its highest-level heat alert for more than 15 Italian cities. (Photo: Benoit Tessier/Reuters)

Major wildfire and partial Eiffel Tower closure

Several parts of central France saw above 40°C temperatures this weekend, according to the national weather service, and the government has urged businesses to adjust working hours to shield employees from the heat. Around 200 public schools were partially or fully closed on Tuesday. A major wildfire over the weekend in the south-western France burned nearly 400 hectares of land and forced more than 100 residents to evacuate. Authorities in Paris have even closed the top of the Eiffel Tower after issuing a red alert for heat. (Photo: Thibaud Morotz/AFP via Getty)

Archeological sites in Greece restricting opening times

In Greece, due to extreme temperatures exceeding 40°C, the Acropolis and other archaeological sites in Athens will be closed between 12pm and 5pm to protect visitors from heat-related illnesses. The closures are expected to continue until at least Sunday (6 July), with temperatures potentially reaching 45°C.(Photo: Stelios Misinas/Reuters)

Some relief expected in the UK

Britain has also experienced its second official heatwave of the season. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended amber heat health alerts for much of England into Wednesday morning (2 July), but some relief is expected in the second part of the week when temperatures in the south-east are expected to drop to the mid-20s. Amber alerts are covering the West Midlands and Yorkshire and the Humber regions, in addition to the East Midlands, South East, South West, London, and East of England, which have been under an amber heat health alert since Thursday 26 June, according to UKHSA. (Photo: Rasid Necati Aslim/Anadolu via Getty)

Heatwaves and travel

Kirsty McCabe, senior meteorologist with the Royal Meteorological Society (RMetS), said that heatwaves can affect travel in different ways. “Roads and rails can be affected by the heat with tracks buckling or road surfaces melting. Power lines can also sag or fail in the heat. Speed restrictions are likely to be imposed and older trains without air con won’t be suitable. Cars can overheat and wildfires can also close off roads.” Air travel can also be impacted, McCabe said. “The heat can affect the runway’s surface, causing it to soften or overheat. Hot air can also reduce lift, making it harder to take off if the plane is heavy. This can lead to delays and cancelled flights.” There can also be issues with water supplies, power cuts, and closures of tourist and historic sites due to the heat or wildfires, she pointed out. (Photo: NIiklas Halle’n/AFP via Getty)

Residents urged to take ‘sensible precautions’

Authorities are advising residents to take extra precautions as the heatwave persists. “We are reminding everyone to take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun,” said Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA. “Remember that it is very important to check on friends, family and neighbours who are more vulnerable, as the temperatures we are likely to see over the next few days can result in serious health outcomes across the population, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions,” Dr Sousa said. To better cope with the heat, experts recommend keeping windows and curtains closed in sun-facing rooms to help maintain cooler temperatures. (Photo: Cristina Quicler/AFP)

Recognise signs of heat exhaustion and heat-stroke

If you need to be outdoors, wear comfortable clothing, a hat, and sunglasses, and apply sunscreen regularly. Experts also recommend keeping out of the sun during the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm. If you are planning physical activities – like exercising or walking your dog – try to schedule them during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. It is also important to recognise the signs of heat exhaustion and heat-stroke, and to know how to respond if you or someone else experiences them, experts say. (Photo: Thomas Coex/AFP/Getty Images)