The Foreign Office has issued updated travel advice for Britons visiting France, Spain, and Portugal, warning of “extreme temperatures” amid a record-breaking heatwave that has gripped much of western Europe. The guidance, updated on Tuesday, urges travellers to follow advice from local authorities and check weather forecasts.
France Records Hottest Day Ever
France experienced its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with the national thermal indicator—an average of temperatures measured at 30 weather stations—reaching 30°C, surpassing the previous day's record of 29.8°C, according to Meteo France. In some areas, including Paris, temperatures climbed above 40°C. Three-quarters of France is under a red alert for extreme heat from noon Thursday to noon Friday local time. Tens of thousands of homes in western France have also been left without power.
The Foreign Office travel advice for France states: “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. Find advice on how to stay safe in hot weather from the National Health Service (NHS). Check with your travel provider and follow advice from local authorities.”
Spain and Portugal Also Affected
Spain has recorded its highest daily average June temperature (28.17°C) since at least 1950 during the heatwave, which is being described as a “heat dome.” The Foreign Office advice for Spain is similar: “Extreme weather can affect many parts of Spain, particularly over the summer months. Check warnings from the Spanish Meteorological Office (AEMET) and the European Meteorological Services. Find advice on how to stay safe in hot weather from the NHS. Follow guidance from the Spanish Ministry of Health for your area. You can sign up for email alerts (in Spanish). Check with your travel provider and follow advice from local authorities.”
For Portugal, the advice 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. Find advice on how to stay safe in hot weather from the NHS. Check with your travel provider and follow advice from local authorities.” From Wednesday, temperatures in Portugal were expected to fall, although with the possibility of thunderstorms.
Other European Countries Affected
Italy has also been significantly affected by the heatwave, with 16 provincial capitals under red heat alerts. Temperatures were predicted to climb toward 41°C in Florence and 38°C in Milan. However, the Foreign Office has not updated its travel advice for Italy. The Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium are also bracing for scorching temperatures in the coming days, but no new Foreign Office advice has been issued for these countries yet.
On Wednesday, the UK recorded its hottest June day ever, with temperatures reaching 36.1°C.
