It’s not just the UK that is experiencing a scorching heatwave this summer – a number of countries in Europe are experiencing even hotter weather than us right now. While England recorded its warmest-ever June this year (with temperatures reaching a maximum of 37.7°C in Norfolk), countries such as Spain, France and Portugal have also experienced severe heat spikes, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in some areas. Earlier this month, a wildfire outbreak forced an evacuation of over 10,000 people in Southern France; there are also reports of blazes in Portugal, Greece and Spain.
While the climate news can make for heavy reading, it’s important to remain informed in order to stay safe this summer – here’s the latest travel advice and information you need if you are currently holidaying in Europe or you have an upcoming trip planned.
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Which European countries are experiencing heat waves?
Spain
According to Aemet, Spain’s principal meteorological service, the country’s temperatures are only rising – with both orange and red weather alerts being issued so far this July. Barcelona registered a maximum temperature of 40.7°C on 8 July, the highest in 112 years, while forecasts are predicting 40°C+ heat for the coming days, particularly in Andalusia and North East Spain towards the border with France.
Portugal
Similarly, parts of Portugal have seen blistering heat in 2026 – the country reported its highest-ever May temperature (40.3°C) earlier this year. But Portugal is currently not being affected by the worst of the European heatwave – southern regions are generally experiencing their usual temperatures of around 29-32°C for July. Current guidance is that Portugal is not expected to experience the most extreme temperatures this time around, though it remains advisable to keep an eye on the weather forecast, as conditions can change quickly.
France
France has arguably been the most affected by this summer’s heatwaves. The majority of the country currently has orange weather warnings in place, according to Meteo France. Temperatures in Bordeaux are expected to reach highs of 38 and 39 degrees this week, with similar highs in Nantes and Perpignan. In June, the Eiffel Tower was forced to close and 68,000 households were left without electricity in western France as temperatures rose beyond 43°C.
Italy
Like other parts of Europe, Italy is currently experiencing its third heatwave of the summer, with temperatures already reaching 39 degrees. The country is currently under a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms – temperatures are expected to reach the mid-30s in the coming week.
Greece
Greece has been affected by extreme heat so far this summer, with a number of wildfires breaking out across the country – though, like Italy, it is currently more at risk of thunderstorms than extreme heat (yellow weather warnings are in place in Skiathos, Athens and Thessaloniki). However, experts predict that Greece is likely to be affected by ongoing heatwaves in future, so it’s always best to check the forecast and local guidance.
The Balkans
Those in the Balkans have also witnessed record-breaking temperatures this summer, with highs of 39 degrees in Serbia and wildfires breaking out across Croatia and southern Albania. Currently however, temperatures in the Balkans have largely returned to normal for this time of year – though there are weather warnings for thunderstorms in parts of Romania.
