Extreme heatwave in Europe triggers alerts and attraction closures

03-07-25

A powerful heatwave is sweeping across Europe at the start of July 2025, breaking temperature records, forcing the closure of tourist attractions, and prompting multiple health warnings. Countries such as France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands are enduring scorching days that are already disrupting the peak tourism season.

In France, authorities ordered the closure of the upper level of the Eiffel Tower on July 2, after temperatures in Paris reached 40 °C (104 °F). Only visitors with pre-purchased tickets were allowed access to the lower levels of the monument. At the same time, more than 1,300 French schools suspended classes for safety reasons. In Belgium, Brussels' iconic Atomium shortened its visiting hours for the second consecutive year due to extreme weather conditions.

The Iberian Peninsula has also been severely affected. In Madrid, temperatures soared past 39 °C, while the Andalusian province of Huelva recorded a historic 46 °C for the month of June. In Portugal, the town of Mora hit 46.6 °C, the highest temperature ever recorded in the country for June.

In Italy, authorities have restricted outdoor labor in regions like Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Sicily to protect workers, residents, and tourists. The measure, aimed at preventing heatstroke incidents, is part of broader recommendations issued throughout southern Europe.