Temperatures in Paris have soared to punishing levels this week, with the mercury hitting 38°C in the French capital as a severe heatwave grips Western Europe. The extreme weather is now threatening to disrupt travel plans for thousands of British holidaymakers heading to the continent for the August bank holiday. Meteorologists have warned that the heat could prove dangerous for vulnerable groups, including the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
The Met Office has issued a health alert for parts of southern England, urging travellers to stay hydrated and avoid the sun during peak hours. France has activated its emergency heatwave plan, opening cooling centres and extending pool hours in public parks. The heatwave, which has already caused wildfires in Spain and Portugal, is expected to persist into the weekend.
British tour operators report a surge in cancellations and rescheduling as families reconsider their travel plans. The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice, reminding Britons to check local health guidance and ensure they have adequate travel insurance. The extreme temperatures come as a stark reminder of the real-world impacts of climate change, with this summer on track to be one of the hottest on record.
For hard-pressed British families already grappling with soaring costs at home, the heatwave adds another layer of financial uncertainty to holiday budgets.
