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.

The tourism sector has been among the hardest hit. Several destinations have had to adapt their offerings. Some attractions have temporarily closed or reduced their hours, while others implemented measures to lessen the impact of the heat, such as climate shelters, free access to pools and public fountains, and rescheduling guided tours for early morning or late evening hours.

According to a recent study, tourist mobility in Spain dropped by 10% to 20% during peak sunlight hours, especially among older travelers. A decline in attendance was also observed at historic sites and monuments during the hottest parts of the day.

Sporting events and public transportation systems have also felt the strain. In London, the Wimbledon tennis tournament experienced its hottest day of the year, with temperatures exceeding 32 °C. In Italy and Germany, storms triggered by the intense heatwave led to temporary train suspensions and disruptions in land transportation routes.

Health authorities are urging travelers to stay well-hydrated, avoid sun exposure between 12:00 and 4:00 PM, wear sunscreen, hats, and lightweight clothing, and consult local alerts before visiting tourist attractions. Tourists are also advised to check whether their travel insurance covers cancellations or emergencies related to extreme weather.

Climate change experts warn that such events are likely to become increasingly common. The current heatwave is driven by a heat dome that traps hot, dry air from North Africa—a phenomenon that has affected Europe in previous years. June 2025 is on track to be one of the five hottest months ever recorded in Europe.

This situation presents new challenges for the tourism industry, which must adapt to increasingly adverse conditions. Planning, prevention, and timely information will be key to ensuring the safety of visitors and maintaining tourism activity in an era of extreme climate events.

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