Now, Cyprus Joins Greece, Spain and Turkey on UK Heatwave Travel Warning List as Italy, France, Germany and More Grapple With Record Temperatures While Paris-Milan Route Disrupted Amid Escalating European Weather Chaos

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Cyprus has now joined Greece, Spain, and Turkey on the UK’s official heatwave travel warning list as an unforgiving wave of extreme weather sweeps across Europe, pushing temperatures past record highs and triggering health alerts, wildfires, and infrastructure failures. While British authorities warn tourists to take caution in the Mediterranean, countries like Italy, France, Germany, and others are struggling to contain the growing impact of heat and storms. One of the most disruptive developments is the shutdown of the Paris-Milan route, where severe storms have forced authorities to halt cross-border service amid mounting travel chaos.

Cyprus

Cyprus was the most recent country to be added to the UK’s travel warning list, with officials citing extreme heat and heightened fire risk as key concerns. The Mediterranean island welcomed approximately 450,000 international tourists during Q1 2025, a record-breaking total for the first quarter. However, that momentum is now being challenged by scorching heatwaves and rising humidity. Emergency services remain on standby across major resort zones, and health advisories have been issued urging visitors to avoid midday exposure and stay hydrated. With inland temperatures climbing rapidly and no nighttime relief, authorities warn the situation may worsen before it improves.

Greece

Greece has also seen a sharp rise in tourist activity this year, recording a 4% increase in arrivals in Q1 2025. While the country continues to be a top choice for UK holidaymakers, the ongoing heatwave has made conditions especially hazardous. On the island of Chios, wildfires erupted over the weekend, forcing evacuations and emergency deployment of firefighting teams. Across mainland Greece, nighttime temperatures remain stubbornly high—often above 30°C—which poses serious health risks. Authorities are urging residents and travelers alike to limit time outdoors and comply with local alerts as fire-prone conditions expand into central and southern regions.

Spain

Spain leads Europe in Q1 2025 tourist arrivals, having welcomed an impressive 17.1 million international visitors, reflecting a 5.7% year-on-year growth. But that success comes with new challenges. The country is now battling record-breaking temperatures exceeding 42°C in parts of Andalusia, Extremadura, and Murcia. Health agencies have issued red weather alerts across the south and east, and fire services are patrolling high-risk areas to prevent flare-ups. The soaring heat is also placing strain on power grids and water supplies, as resorts brace for a possible increase in heat-related emergencies during peak summer weeks.

Turkey

Turkey recorded a 7% rise in international arrivals in Q1 2025, signaling strong demand for travel to cities like Istanbul and coastal provinces such as Antalya and Izmir. However, much of the country is now under extreme heat advisories, with inland regions particularly vulnerable to high fire risk and limited water reserves. Public health authorities have rolled out national awareness campaigns advising visitors to remain indoors during the afternoon hours. Local municipalities are deploying cooling tents and distributing water in open markets and tourist centers as they prepare for a sustained period of oppressive heat.

France

France is not currently under a UK-issued travel warning, but it is facing one of the most disruptive combinations of heat and storm damage in Europe. The country welcomed a 6% increase in international tourists during Q1 2025, but conditions have deteriorated since. Violent storms earlier this week battered the southeastern region, leading to the suspension of the Paris–Milan high-speed rail line. French national rail operator SNCF has confirmed that inspections and repairs will take several days. Meanwhile, in Paris, local governments have activated cooling centers and water distribution points. National meteorological agency Météo-France has issued multiple heat advisories, urging people to stay indoors and avoid travel where possible.

Italy

Italy has seen a 4% rise in Q1 2025 international arrivals, adding to the steady recovery of its tourism sector. However, the country is now enduring a brutal wave of heat, with temperatures climbing above 40°C in Rome, Florence, and several inland towns. Red alerts have been declared in over a dozen provinces. The Italian government has launched heat mitigation programs including expanded hours at cooling centers, public transport advisories, and mobile health units stationed at major tourist spots. Additionally, the Paris-Milan rail shutdown has complicated travel for northern Italy, particularly for travelers relying on fast train connections to and from France.

Germany

Germany did not publish a specific international arrival total, but it registered 57.4 million overnight stays in Q1 2025, with consistent inbound tourism growth estimated between 2% and 5%. Still, the country’s infrastructure is now under weather-induced stress. High-speed rail operators have warned of delays due to heat-induced rail expansion, while flights out of Frankfurt and Munich have been disrupted by surface temperature limits on runways. Public health authorities in Berlin, Cologne, and Hamburg have set up information booths and water points in popular tourist areas, and emergency crews have been mobilized to respond to expected spikes in heat-related health issues.

Switzerland

Switzerland has been part of the EU’s broader tourism rebound and contributed to the region’s 452.4 million total overnight stays in Q1 2025. But this summer, the usually temperate Alpine nation is not immune to the unfolding climate crisis. Melting glaciers, unstable hiking routes, and high-altitude heat have raised major safety concerns. Several Swiss mountain resorts have closed hiking trails due to rockfall risk, and rail operators are closely monitoring track integrity. Local cantons have activated heat management protocols for cities like Zurich, Lucerne, and Geneva, while tourism boards are revising visitor guidelines to prioritize safety over adventure.

Portugal

Portugal welcomed a 4% increase in international arrivals in Q1 2025, riding a strong wave of interest in coastal escapes and cultural city breaks. However, the country has now logged its highest temperature of the year—40.5°C, prompting authorities to issue red alerts in the Alentejo, Algarve, and Lisbon regions. The national civil protection agency has mobilized fire response teams, while local governments are urging tourists to take shelter during peak daylight hours. Events have been postponed, and multiple outdoor festivals have been cancelled to limit exposure risks.

United Kingdom

Back home, the United Kingdom is feeling the tail end of Europe’s heatwave as well. With temperatures reaching 34°C over the weekend in parts of southern England, the Met Office has issued public heat guidance for the week ahead. Though not yet facing transport collapses like those seen on the continent, NHS England has activated hot-weather protocols and is urging travelers to check government updates before traveling abroad.

Cyprus has joined Greece, Spain, and Turkey on the UK’s heatwave travel warning list as record-breaking temperatures, wildfires, and severe storms disrupt Europe, forcing countries like Italy, France, and Germany into crisis and suspending the Paris-Milan route amid escalating weather chaos.

Final Thoughts

The UK’s decision to place Cyprus, Greece, Spain, and Turkey on its heatwave travel warning list is part of a wider European picture—one defined by record tourism growth colliding with record-breaking temperatures. From the Paris–Milan rail shutdown, to melting alpine trails in Switzerland, and evacuated islands in Greece, the continent’s summer season is increasingly marked by instability. As the heatwave deepens, travelers are advised to monitor official alerts, be flexible with their plans, and prioritize health and safety over bucket-list checkboxes.

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