Jump directly to the content
Exclusive
HOLIDAY MELTDOWN

Europe weather sparks warnings to Brit tourists over 38C heatwaves, storms, wildfires and droughts this summer

Europe could be struck with heatwaves, thunderstorms and even droughts this summer

THE heatwave cooking the UK could spread into the rest of Europe, sparking wildfires, thunderstorms and even droughts.

Brits face temperatures exceeding 31C and it could get even hotter on the continent, with the mercury topping a blistering 38C in the coming months.

Europe could be struck with heatwaves, thunderstorms and even droughts this summer
10
Europe could be struck with heatwaves, thunderstorms and even droughts this summer

Experts at  say southern France and northern Italy will experience the most intense heat, raising fears this summer could be even worse than the "Lucifer" heatwave last year.

Temperatures are expected to soar well past 32C in Lyon and Toulouse, France, and the Italian city of Florence and Berlin, Germany.

The Spanish capital of Madrid is expected to reach 35C as early as next week while Athens, in Greece, could get as hot as 34C.

It is great news for the thousands of Brits heading off on their European breaks in the coming weeks.

Temperatures could top 38C in southern France as Europe bakes in intense heat over the summer months
10
Temperatures could top 38C in southern France as Europe bakes in intense heat over the summer monthsCredit: WeatherOnline

Holidaymakers heading for the party island of Ibiza will enjoy temperatures of 32C and up from Monday and those lounging on the beach in Majorca will be sunned with 36C rays.

But those visiting the Balearics have been specifically warned to take extra precaution in the heat during their holidays.

Speaking exclusively to Sun Online, the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) said holidaymakers should expect much higher temperatures than usual.

AEMET's María José Guerrero said: "Tourists should protect their skin with cream, ensure they are hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun."

 Wildfires devastated large parts of Portugal and Spain last year... Here firefighters try to extinguish a forest blaze close to the village of Constante, northwestern Spain, in October
10
Wildfires devastated large parts of Portugal and Spain last year... Here firefighters try to extinguish a forest blaze close to the village of Constante, northwestern Spain, in OctoberCredit: EPA
Scotland to bake in 30C heatwave as temperatures set to get even hotter  
Helicopters have been drafted in to try and tame the flames on Saddleworth Moore
10
Helicopters have been drafted in to try and tame the flames on Saddleworth MooreCredit: PA:Press Association
Due to the clear skies over Britain smoke from the blaze was clearly visible from space
10
Due to clear skies over Britain, smoke rising from the devastating Saddleworth Moor blaze was visible from space

Usually, the Balearic Islands record an average temperature of 24 degrees between July and September.

But AEMET told Sun Online it expects the average to be significantly higher this year thanks to an unforeseen heat wave.

The organisation also revealed that they expect the period between July 15 and August 15 to be the hottest during the holiday season.

The news will be welcome for sun-worshipping Brits after the islands experienced an abnormally cold and wet spring.

Eastern Europe could be hit with droughts this summer. This is the dryland along the river Guadiana, southern Portugal
10
Eastern Europe could be hit with droughts this summer. This is the dryland along the river Guadiana, southern PortugalCredit: EPA
Weather forecasters predict some regions of eastern Europe could even experience tornadoes, like this one in Greece
10
Weather forecasters predict some regions of eastern Europe could even experience tornadoes, like this one in GreeceCredit: Alamy

Last year on Mallorca, temperatures already reached a scorching 40.3C, a figure that is now expected to be passed over the upcoming months.

Alarmingly, the likes of Germany, France and the Alps could face the same terrifying fate as Saddleworth Moor which has been devastated by wildfires since Sunday.

Around 100 soldiers and an RAF Chinook were deployed to the hills of Greater Manchester to battle the inferno which can be seen from space.

A combination of intense heat and dry vegetation means similar blazes could spread through western Europe, .

In October, the infernos which ripped through large parts of Portugal and Spain killed at least 31 people including a 19-year-old pregnant woman who was trying to escape the flames.

Experts are also concerned Ukraine and other Balkan countries could be hit with crippling droughts in the coming months.

Eastern Europe could experience daily thunderstorms like this one seen over Goerlitz, eastern Germany
10
Eastern Europe could experience daily thunderstorms like this one seen over Goerlitz, eastern GermanyCredit: AP:Associated Press
Summer heatwave 2018: Brits are cooling off in record breaking temperatures at Brighton beach
Thousands of Roman citizens flee to Lido di Ostia beach in Italy
10
Thousands of Roman citizens flee to Lido di Ostia beach in ItalyCredit: Corbis
People enjoy the fine weather on the beach in Dorset
10
People enjoy the fine weather on the beach in DorsetCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Ukraine, which is expected to get less than half its usual rainfall, could have to restrict water in some areas, Roys warned.

Eastern Europe will also be lashed with violent thunderstorms, sparked by the mixture of "unseasonable warmth" and "moist air from the Med".

It means nations including Poland, Czech Republic, Belarus and Lithuania could be hit with violent deluges which cause flash flooding.

"The strongest storms may produce powerful tornadoes and large, destructive hail," according to experts at AccuWeather.

The ongoing heatwave in the UK, which has been hotter than parts of the Sahara this week, has posed a serious health risk to young kids and the elderly.

AccuWeather expert Roys added: "Another concern will be for poor air quality which will greatly affect the elderly and anyone with prior health issues."

Sunbathers lap up the hot weather as heatwave continues to grip the UK


We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368 . You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.