Following a week of record-breaking heat, a spell of cooler temperatures has come as a relief to the UK.
However, for those preparing to kick-start the summer holidays on the continent, heatwave warnings remain in place across several parts of Europe.
While this weekend’s forecast anticipates a return to temperatures around 30C for parts of southeast England, intense heat is predicted to pick up in destinations including Corsica, Madrid and Rome.
From southern France to the Croatian coast, here are the European hotspots where temperatures are expected to soar.
When will the next heatwave be in Europe’s holiday destinations?
France
France recorded its hottest day on record on 24 June, said Metéo-France, with temperatures reaching up to 43.8C in the town of Pulluau in western France. A red weather warning was issued for a record 58 departments, added the World Meteorological Organisation.
On Tuesday afternoon (30 June), maximum temperatures peaked at 39C in the lower Rhône Valley and Provence.
Metéo-France said that temperatures will rise again on Thursday, 2 July. “Starting this weekend, the intense heat will spread across the south of the country,” it added.
As of Wednesday, 1 July, an orange heat warning is in place for Corsica and the departments of Var and Alpes-Maritimes, which includes the popular coastal cities of Nice and Cannes.
By the end of the week and into next, “intense heat” exceeding 30C will significantly affect the “entire country”, added Metéo-France.
Spain
With temperatures above 40C in a number of locations, Spain recorded its hottest ever June days on 23 and 24 June. The city of Bilbao reached 42.7C, according to the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (Aemet).
Orange weather warnings remain in place for Andalusia – including Seville – and in Extremadura until at least Friday, 3 July. Highs of 40C are forecast in Cordoba today.
Portugal
Temperatures have climbed again in Portugal, with much of the country’s west coast currently under an orange weather warning from Portugal’s weather agency, IPMA.
From Thursday, 2 July, red warnings are in effect for a “persistence of extremely high temperatures” in Lisbon, Coimbra, Leiria and Setúbal.
On Friday, temperatures of 40C are forecast for the districts, with highs of 43C expected in Setúbal.
Italy
In Italy, 25 out of 27 cities are under a red heat warning from the Italian Ministry of Health as of Wednesday, 1 July.
Highs of 35C and severe thunderstorm warnings are forecast for Rome today.
From Friday, the health ministry’s heatwave bulletins, just two cities – Reggio Calabria and Catania in Sicily – will remain on red weather warnings as temperatures slightly decline.
Greece
According to the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS), most of Greece is under a yellow weather warning for high air temperature values and thunderstorms on Wednesday.
HNMS said: “High air temperature values (during the day), expected to range between 35 and 38 degrees Celsius. BE AWARE. Some health risks amongst vulnerable people, eg the elderly and very young, are possible.”
Croatia
On Wednesday, 1 July, Croatia’s weather service, DHMZ, issued a red alert for several regions, including the popular tourist destinations of Dubrovnik and Split, and the Rijeka region.
Temperatures could reach a maximum of 37C in Split today.
DHMZ said: “TAKE PRECAUTIONS, extremely high temperatures are expected. Protect yourself, children and senior citizens. Follow advice provided by relevant authorities. Infrastructure failures are possible.”
Travellers are also warned to “stay alert” for possible heavy thunderstorms.
Read more: Will there be more heatwaves this summer?
