Europe Heat Wave Turns Summer Travel Into a Survival Test

A severe heat wave is pushing temperatures to historic highs across Europe and forcing travelers to rethink summer plans. In France, the country’s hottest day on record was recently set in the town of Pissos, where temperatures reached 44.3 degrees Celsius. Britain also broke its May heat record on two consecutive days, with temperatures hitting 35 degrees.

The extreme weather is already disrupting major tourist attractions and daily life. Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle suspended their traditional changing of the guard ceremonies to protect soldiers and visitors from dangerous sun exposure. In France, 48 people were reported drowned after trying to cool off in water, and in Spain there were deaths from heatstroke among elderly residents. Hundreds of schools were closed or sent students home early because conditions were too severe for normal classes.

Experts say the heat wave is being driven by an “omega block,” a high-pressure system that traps hot air and prevents storms or winds from easing the heat. For tourists, the advice is to use the early morning for outdoor sightseeing and save museums, large churches, or shopping centers for the hottest hours. Travelers should not assume every indoor space will be cool, since air conditioning is much less common in Europe than in Israel.

Recommended precautions include carrying a battery-powered handheld fan and a cooling towel for long lines or public transit. Visitors are also urged to skip alcohol such as Aperol Spritz, drink water continuously, and wear loose, light, breathable clothing instead of fashionable, fitted outfits to reduce the risk of dehydration, heatstroke, and suffocation-like discomfort.