How Europe’s heatwave is impacting Spain, Italy, and other popular holiday destinations

Published

2 years ago

July 18, 2023

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Meteorologists are warning temperatures will hit new record highs across southern Europe this week.

The latest forecasts show peaks of 44C (111F) on multiple days, with temperatures consistently in the high 30s and low 40s across the region.

The Foreign Office has issued extreme weather warnings for Britons travelling to Italy, Spain or Greece, advising them to heed local advice but that they won’t be compensated if they choose to cancel their trips.

The European Space Agency has also warned other countries, including France, Germany and Poland, will face extreme heat this week.

Heatwave latest: Follow our blog for the latest world weather news

It is forecast to intensify in the next two days and could last into August, the World Meteorological Organisation has said.

A new anticyclone, named Charon after the Greek mythological boatman who ferries souls to the underworld, is behind the heatwave.

So, what’s going on where you are heading on holiday?

Check the latest weather forecast where you’re going here

Spain

The heatwave in Spain is still set to intensify, with temperatures predicted to reach 44C in the Guadalquivir valley near Seville.

It comes as wildfires continue to burn out of control on the Spanish Canary Island of La Palma. More than 4,000 residents were forced to flee their homes on Saturday.

The fire has affected more than 4,600 hectares (11,300 acres) of forest in the north of the island.

More than 300 firefighters, nine water-carrying helicopters and two planes are being used to try to extinguish the blaze.

Spain’s Aemet weather agency said the heatwave this week “will affect a large part of the countries bordering the Mediterranean”.

The agency says it expects temperatures to drop sometime on Wednesday.

Italy

Hot weather alerts have been issued for at least nine cities in Italy as the country braces for record temperatures.

Highs of 45C (113F) have been predicted.

The alerts are in place for major tourist destinations including Rome, Florence and Bologna as well as Palermo in Sicily and Bari in the southeast of the peninsula.

Italy’s health minister Orazio Schillaci urged people to take care when visiting tourist hotspots including Rome’s famous ruins.

“Going to the Colosseum when it is 43C (109.4F) is not advisable, especially for an elderly person,” he told Il Messaggero newspaper, saying people should stay under cover and avoid direct sunlight between 11am and 6pm.

Meteorologists have said Europe’s highest recorded temperature of 48.8C (119.8F), registered in Sicily two years ago, could be exceeded in the coming days on the Italian island of Sardinia.

Power outages were hitting parts of Rome as electric grids struggled due to heavier demand from air conditioners.

Greece

Temperatures in Greece are predicted to keep rising this week before hitting highs of 43C (109F) in Athens on Saturday as a second heatwave hits.

Wildfires in two areas around the capital have triggered evacuation orders for at least six seaside communities and the Greek meteorological service has warned of a high risk of fire this week.

The first blaze, which swept through forest land in Dervenochoria 19 miles north of Athens, is still intensifying.

Another fire, which began in the village of Kouvaras 17 miles southeast of the Greek capital, has spread to the coastal towns of Anavyssos, Lagonisi and Saronida and forced people to flee their homes.

The country’s weather agency says the heat won’t change too dramatically before Wednesday, with highs of 39C (102F) in the east and 41C (106F) in the west.

But it predicts that from Thursday a new heatwave will engulf most areas of the country, with minimum temperatures reaching up to 43C (109F) on the mainland, 41C (106F) on the Ionian islands and 38C (100F) on the Aegean islands.

Tours of the Acropolis monuments have resumed normal opening hours after closing for three days during the hottest part of the day over the weekend.

Cyprus

Similarly to Greece, a second heatwave at the end of this week will bring temperatures of 40C (104F) to Cyprus.

Those flying into Paphos can expect temperatures in the early 30s, with Larnaca in the north slightly higher.

According to the Cyprus Department of Meteorology: “The maximum temperature is expected to reach around 40 degrees over inland areas and around 32 degrees Celsius over the highest mountainous areas.

“During Friday and Saturday the temperature is expected to increase further.”

Turkey

Temperatures in Antalya are currently the highest in Turkey at 39C (102F), followed closely by Adana at 37C (98F).

It is not included in the Foreign Office’s extreme weather travel advice, but a second heatwave is due to hit elsewhere by the weekend.

Croatia

Similarly in Croatia, holidaymakers can expect temperatures in the mid-to-low 30s, with areas around Split currently the hottest. The country will hit by even warmer weather as the weekend approaches but is not included in UK heightened travel advice.

Wildfires in Grebastica on the coast caused damage last week.

France

Extreme temperatures are not expected in most of France according to the national forecaster Meteo France.

An orange weather warning, the second-highest alert, has been issued for some areas along the Mediterranean coast.

Temperatures are predicted to reach 34-36C around Marseille by Wednesday, with Paris staying slightly cooler at 29C (84F).

Poland

Storm warnings are in place across southern Poland.

Near Krakow, forecasters predict severe thunder and lightning as well as winds of up to 55mph (90km) and 2 inches (50mm) of rain.

Temperatures are set to peak at 26C (79F) on Wednesday following highs of 35C (95F) last week.

Germany

Forecasters predict temperatures will also rise slightly in Germany.

Highs of 25C (77F) are expected while yellow weather warnings are in place in some regions due to wind gusts.

USA and Mexico

Outside of Europe – southern US states and northern areas of Mexico are also experiencing heatwave conditions, with Phoenix in Arizona expected to surpass its hottest-ever temperature on Tuesday after 43.3C (110F) was recorded on Monday.

Soaring temperatures in California and other parts of the south are due to continue into next week.

The east coast has been hit by flash floods, with at least three dead in Pennsylvania, and storms in the Midwest have left people in Kansas and Missouri without power.

Several flights were cancelled and delayed around New York on Sunday, with Canadian wildfires still causing heat and air pollution issues in the north of the US.

While Europe is sweltering, forecasters say there is a low chance of the UK having a heatwave this summer, with the country not seeing any hot summer weather until mid-August.

World

Lifting sanctions on Putin for Trump meeting is a massive victory for Moscow

Published

5 hours ago

August 9, 2025

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Lifting sanctions on Putin for Trump meeting is a massive victory for Moscow

The location of Alaska is unexpected.

Although close to Russia geographically – less than three miles away at the narrowest point – it’s a very long way from neutral ground.

The expectation was they would meet somewhere in the middle. Saudi Arabia perhaps, or the United Arab Emirates. But no, Vladimir Putin will be travelling to Donald Trump’s backyard.

Follow latest: Zelenskyy says Ukraine will not give up land

It’ll be the first time the Russian president has visited the US since September 2015, when he spoke at the UN General Assembly. Barack Obama was in the White House. How times have changed a decade on.

The US is not a member of the International Criminal Court, so there’s no threat of arrest for Vladimir Putin.

But to allow his visit to happen, the US Treasury Department will presumably have to lift sanctions on the Kremlin leader, as it did when his investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev flew to Washington in April.

And I think that points to one reason why Putin would agree to a summit in Alaska.

Instead of imposing sanctions on Russia, as Trump had threatened in recent days, the US would be removing one. Even if only temporary, it would be hugely symbolic and a massive victory for Moscow.

The American leader might think he owns the optics – the peace-making president ordering a belligerent aggressor to travel to his home turf – but the visuals more than work for Putin too.

Shunned by the West since his invasion, this would signal an emphatic end to his international isolation.

Donald Trump has said a ceasefire deal is close. The details are still unclear but there are reports it could involve Ukraine surrendering territory, something Volodymyr Zelenskyy has always adamantly opposed.

Either way, Putin will have what he wants – the chance to carve up his neighbour without Kyiv being at the table.

And that’s another reason why Putin would agree to a summit, regardless of location. Because it represents a real possibility of achieving his goals.

It’s not just about territory for Russia. It also wants permanent neutrality for Ukraine and limits to its armed forces – part of a geopolitical strategy to prevent NATO expansion.

In recent months, despite building US pressure, Moscow has shown no intention of stopping the war until those demands are met.

It may be that Vladimir Putin thinks a summit with Donald Trump offers the best chance of securing them.

World

It’s been four years since a US president met Putin – and Trump will have a lot of ice to break

Published

8 hours ago

August 9, 2025

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It's been four years since a US president met Putin - and Trump will have a lot of ice to break

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will meet where their countries brush shoulders.

But why Alaska and why now?

A US-Russia summit in Alaska is geography as metaphor and message.

Alaska physically bridges both countries across the polar expanse.

Follow latest: Ukraine war live updates

Choosing this location signals strategic parity – the US and Russian leaders face to face in a place where their interests literally meet.

Alaska has surged in geopolitical importance due to its untapped fossil fuels.

Trump has aggressively pushed for more control in the Arctic, plans for Greenland and oil access.

Holding talks there centres the conversation where global energy and territorial stakes are high, and the US president thrives on spectacle.

A dramatic summit in the rugged frontier of Alaska plays into his flair for the theatrical.

It is brand Trump – a stage that frames him as bold, unorthodox and in command.

It was 2021 when a US president last came face-to-face with a Russian president.

The leaders of the two countries haven’t met since Russia invaded Ukraine.

But Trump is in touch with all sides – Russia, Ukraine and European leaders – and says they all, including Putin, want “to see peace”.

He’s even talking up the potential shape of any deal and how it might involve the “swapping of territory”.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly insisted he will not concede territory annexed by Russia.

Moscow has sent the White House a list of demands in return for a ceasefire.

Trump is attempting to secure buy-in from Zelenskyy and other European leaders.

He styles himself as “peacemaker-in-chief” and claims credit for ending six wars since he returned to office 200 days ago.

There’s much ice to break if he’s to secure a coveted seventh one in Alaska.

World

UK joins four countries in condemning Israel’s plan for new operation in Gaza

Published

8 hours ago

August 9, 2025

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UK joins four countries in condemning Israel's plan for new operation in Gaza

The UK and four allies have criticised Israel’s decision to launch a new large-scale military operation in Gaza – warning it will “aggravate the catastrophic humanitarian situation” in the territory.

The foreign ministers of Britain, Australia, Germany, Italy and New Zealand said in a joint statement that the offensive will “endanger the lives of hostages” and “risk violating international humanitarian law”.

It comes a day after Israel’s security cabinet approved an operation to take military control of Gaza City – and concluded a full takeover of the enclave is required to end the conflict.

It marks another escalation in the war in Gaza, sparked by the Hamas attack of 7 October 2023.

In their joint statement, the UK and its allies said they “strongly reject” the decision, adding: “It will endanger the lives of the hostages and further risk the mass displacement of civilians.

“The plans that the government of Israel has announced risk violating international humanitarian law. Any attempts at annexation or of settlement extension violate international law.”

The countries also called for a permanent ceasefire as “the worst-case scenario of famine is unfolding in Gaza”.

It comes as Sky News analysis has found that airdrops of aid are making little difference to Gaza’s hunger crisis, and pose serious risks to the population – with a father-of-two killed by a falling package.

Meanwhile, France, Canada, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and the United Nations all criticised Israel’s plan for a full occupation of Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “expressed his disappointment” with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s in phone call on Friday after Berlin decided it would stop selling arms to Israel.

In a post on X, the Israeli prime minister’s office added: “Instead of supporting Israel’s just war against Hamas, which carried out the most horrific attack against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, Germany is rewarding Hamas terrorism by embargoing arms to Israel.”

US ambassador hits out at Starmer

Earlier on Friday, the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, criticised Sir Keir Starmer after he said Israel’s decision to “escalate its offensive” in Gaza is “wrong”.

Mr Huckabee wrote on X: “So Israel is expected to surrender to Hamas & feed them even though Israeli hostages are being starved? Did UK surrender to Nazis and drop food to them? Ever heard of Dresden, PM Starmer? That wasn’t food you dropped. If you had been PM then UK would be speaking German!”

In another post around an hour later Mr Huckabee wrote: “How much food has Starmer and the UK sent to Gaza?

“@IsraeliPM has already sent 2 MILLION TONS into Gaza & none of it even getting to hostages.”

Sir Keir has pledged to recognise a Palestinian state in September unless the Israeli government meets a series of conditions towards ending the war in Gaza.

The UK and its allies criticised Israel as US President JD Vance and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy met at Chevening House in Kent on Friday.

Mr Vance described a “disagreement” about how the US and UK could achieve their “common objectives” in the Middle East, and said the Trump administration had “no plans to recognise a Palestinian state”.

He said: “I don’t know what it would mean to really recognise a Palestinian state given the lack of functional government there.”

Mr Vance added: “There’s a lot of common objectives here. There is some, I think, disagreement about how exactly to accomplish those common objectives, but look, it’s a tough situation.”

The UN Security Council will meet on Saturday to discuss the situation in the Middle East.

Ambassador Riyad Mansour, permanent observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, said earlier on Friday that a number of countries would be requesting a meeting of the UN Security Council on Israel’s plans.