A Series of Restrictions Are Being Imposed Across Europe Due to the Heat: Details

Europe is experiencing its most severe heat wave since the beginning of 2026 — three people have died in France, and nearly 2,700 schools are preparing to close. Find out what emergency measures the authorities in France, Spain, and the United Kingdom are implementing and what to expect next

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This week, Europe has been hit by the hottest weather since the beginning of the year. Authorities are urging the public to exercise the utmost caution, as the current heat wave could lead to numerous deaths. This is reported by The Independent.

On Monday, Europe became the continent with the largest temperature deviation from the climate norm. The average maximum temperature reached +24°C — 4.1°C higher than the figures typical for the 1961–1990 period. By comparison, the deviation from the norm in Asia was 2°C, and in North America, 1.3°C.

The current heat wave follows a warning from the WHO’s European Office: over the past four years, more than 200,000 people on the continent have died from causes related to high temperatures.

Read also: The 10 Coolest Countries in Europe for a Summer Vacation — Where to Escape the Heat?

France: Three Deaths, 2,700 Schools Closed, and a Ban on Alcohol

The situation is most critical in France. Three people have already died due to the extreme heat. According to Sophie Broca, a representative of the local authorities in Bordeaux, three elderly people aged 80 to 95 died late last week — the cause was health problems triggered by the heat.

Nearly 2,700 schools are preparing to suspend classes — in Bordeaux, temperatures could exceed +42°C on Monday.

“We are facing at least several days of very, very hot weather. We don’t yet know when the temperature will start to drop,” said French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist on TF1.

The French meteorological service, Météo-France, has issued a red alert in 49 administrative regions across the country. Paris authorities have installed water misting systems near the Eiffel Tower and at other popular tourist sites.

Another high-profile measure is a ban on alcohol consumption during the annual nationwide music festival, Fête de la Musique. Officials explained the decision by the need to “allow medical staff to focus on providing care to the most vulnerable people.”

If you’re planning a trip to France or other European countries in the height of summer — don’t forget to get health insurance. Health risks increase during heat waves, and medical care abroad is expensive. You can purchase a policy online through Visit Ukraine.

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Spain: +40°C in the north and nighttime temperatures up to +30°C

Spain’s national meteorological agency, Aemet, has issued a red alert in the Basque Country — a region in the north of the country that typically has a milder climate. In San Sebastián, temperatures could reach +40°C, more than double the historical average for June 22.

“We are seeing temperatures that are 5–10 degrees above normal for this time of year, and in some northern areas — even more than 10 degrees above average,” said Aemet representative Rubén del Campo.

The paradox of the situation is that the north is expected to be even hotter than the traditionally hottest cities in the south — Seville and Córdoba. In a number of areas, nighttime temperatures will not drop below +25°C, and in the southwestern province of Almería, nighttime heat could reach +30°C. Some sports and cultural events in the region have already been canceled.

Madrid authorities have also announced that they are monitoring companies’ compliance with labor laws during the heatwave. When an orange or red weather alert is issued, employees have the right to: reduce or adjust their work schedule, as well as receive up to four days of paid leave if weather conditions prevent them from reaching their workplace.

United Kingdom: Red Alert for Wednesday and Thursday

The UK’s Met Office has issued a red weather warning due to extreme heat for Wednesday and Thursday. Forecasters warn of the risk of serious illness and life-threatening conditions: unusually high temperatures could have a “negative impact on the health of the entire population.”

We remind you! Extreme heat is having an increasingly significant impact on Europe’s tourism industry. Some travelers are already postponing their vacations until spring and fall or choosing cooler countries instead of traditional Mediterranean resorts. Read more about how climate change is forcing tourists to rethink their vacation plans.

Photo: wirestock / Freepik

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