The scorching heatwave that began in North Africa is tightening its grip on the continent. France, Italy, and Spain have issued red alerts as temperatures threaten to hit 40 degrees Celsius. For British tourists packing their suitcases, this is not just a suntan warning: it's a stark reminder that extreme weather knows no borders.
The French meteorological service Meteo France has placed 12 departments on red alert, with the southeastern Rhone Valley expected to be the worst hit. The Italian Civil Protection Agency warns of "extreme danger" in cities like Rome and Florence, where the elderly and vulnerable are being urged to stay indoors. Spain's AEMET has declared red alerts in parts of Andalusia and Extremadura.
This is not your typical Mediterranean scorcher. These are temperatures that strain infrastructure, force hospitals to cancel operations, and turn motorways into mirages. For the average British family on a budget, a holiday could turn into a nightmare of sleepless nights in non-air-conditioned apartments and perilous excursions to the beach. The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice, warning tourists to stay hydrated, avoid the sun between 11am and 4pm, and check for local health advisories.
But this heatwave is also a financial story. The cost of cooling: fans, air conditioning units, and higher electricity bills. For local workers, especially those in agriculture and construction, it means a loss of earnings when the mercury rises above safe working limits. In Italy, unions are already calling for mandatory stoppages and pay protection. This is a reminder that the real economy is always the first to feel the heat.
As the climate shifts, these red alerts will become more frequent. For now, the message is simple: do not underestimate the heat. And for those at home, spare a thought for the hospitality workers who must serve cold drinks in a kitchen that feels like a furnace.
