AN URGENT warning has been issued to Irish holidaymakers over record-breaking heat sweeping across Europe.
Irish holiday hotspots, Spain, Portugal, France and Italy, have been placed under an urgent weather alert for scorching temperatures as Europe suffers rising temperatures this weekend.



It comes as weather expert Alan O’Reily from Carlow Weather revealed that the majority of the European countries are suffering “real heat” as Ireland and most of the United Kingdom miss out on it.
Taking to social media, he said: “Mild and humid here but we are just missing out the real heat as the temperatures at 5pm Saturday across Europe show with over 40c inland in parts of Spain.”
The map also shows that Italy has reached up to a whopping 36 degrees, while Portugal saw 39 degrees, and France ranged from 20 to 37 degrees.
The majority of European countries experienced hot temperatures of 25 to 30 degrees, with Scandinavia ranging from 15 to 24 degrees.
While the temperatures reach a high of 15 to 20 degrees in Ireland, the Southern region of the United Kingdom suffers temperatures between 24 and 30 degrees.
However, the heat wave conditions are expected to worsen tomorrow, with the conditions at their peak.
Spain’s State Meteorological Agency, AEMET, issued an urgent warning for the country over the major heat wave, which is set to last until Tuesday, July 1.
They revealed that the heat wave originated from the African continent and has extended across their territory, which will lead to a “gradual increase in temperature”.
They added: “This increase will be reinforced by the arrival of a warm, dry mass of Saharan origin across the western peninsula, bringing some haze beginning Sunday afternoon.
“As a result, very high and persistent temperatures are expected, both during the day and at night, which could pose a risk to exposed and/or vulnerable people.”
Tomorrow, the temperatures are expected to exceed 38 degrees across the southwest region, across the northern plateau, the eastern part of the southern plateau and the Jucar and Segura valleys.
And temperatures may reach between 40 and 42 degrees in the Guadalquivir, Genil, Guadiana, Tajo, and Ebro valleys.
The warning includes popular sunshine spots in Marbella, Malaga, Sevilla, the Canary Islands, Ibiza and Palma.
WARNINGS FOR PORTUGAL, FRANCE & ITALY
Several warnings have also been issued separately for Portugal, France, and Italy due to the ongoing heat wave, with advice and tips for following.
Portugal urged people to stay in cool or air-conditioned environments for at least two to three hours a day, avoid direct exposure to the sun, especially during midday when it’s at its peak.
Using sunscreen with a factor of 30 or higher is recommended; ensure to reapply it every two hours and after swimming at the beach or pool.
France is expected to reach 35 to 38 degrees locally and up to 39 degrees inland tomorrow, making the nights even more unsettled.
A severe weather alert has been issued for everyone due to the potential heat stroke.
KEEPING SAFE IN HOT WEATHER
ALTHOUGH many people enjoy warm weather, heatwaves can cause heat exhaustion and heatstroke in the elderly, young children, and other vulnerable groups.
The HSE has issued advice for people who are experiencing very hot weather.
And the health bosses stressed the importance of staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water to ensure you do not experience dehydration.
When inside, the HSE advised:
- Turn off lights and appliances not in use as they generate heat
- Close windows that face the sun during the day, and open them at night when the temperature drops
- Close curtains in rooms that get morning or afternoon sun
- Sprinkle water over your skin, or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck
- Use an electric fan (but only if temperature is below 35C)
When outside:
- Avoid going out during the hottest part of the day if possible (11am to 3pm)
- Wear light and loose-fitting clothing that covers your skin
- Wear a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses
- Regularly apply a broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) water-resistant sunscreen to skin that is not covered
- Stay in the shade
Elderly people, people who regularly take medicine, those suffering from chronic diseases or those with mental health troubles are at risk.
People are urged to drink water several times a day and continue to eat normally; they are also encouraged to stay indoors during the hottest hours and stay cool in an air-conditioned place for 2-3 hours a day.
Italy issued a major red alert for 21 cities this weekend, including the capital, Rome, and popular cities such as Milan and Venice.
People are also advised not to go outdoors between 11am and 6pm and seek shelter in air-conditioned public places.
In Venice, the temperatures have hit a whopping 31 degrees but have been reported to feel 35 degrees due to the humidity.
FURTHER WARNINGS FOR EUROPE
While Albanian firefighters fought Thursday to contain at least eight fires after flames damaged dozens of homes in the country’s south last weekend, authorities in Croatia, Bosnia, and Serbia also issued health warnings throughout the Adriatic.
Each warning has been issued through their official government website, and the locals and tourists are urged to follow their local authorities’ advice to stay safe during the heatwave.
Weather agencies in Greece have also issued a warning for the islands, as temperatures are set to reach over 40 degrees, including Athens.
Strong winds, dryness, and high temperatures associated with climate change have made the nation more susceptible to summer fires in recent years.
Firefighters reported Friday that a forest fire that had prompted evacuations in the Athens area was under control, but they cautioned that the city and the northern Aegean islands were at high risk of fire due to the intense heat.
