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Polish foreign ministry urges travel caution as extreme heat hits Europe

03.07.2025 14:01
As Europe faces record heatwaves and wildfires, Poland's foreign ministry has urged travelers to stay informed and exercise caution amid evacuations and safety concerns.
The UK has recorded its hottest day of the year so far with temperatures reaching 33.6 degrees Celsius. Much of Europe is in the grip of a heatwave with temperatures in Spain and Portugal exceeding 45 degrees Celsius.
The UK has recorded its hottest day of the year so far with temperatures reaching 33.6 degrees Celsius. Much of Europe is in the grip of a heatwave with temperatures in Spain and Portugal exceeding 45 degrees Celsius. Photo: ANDY RAIN/PAP/EPA

The ministry reminded travelers to carefully follow official updates before planning any trips abroad.

It also encouraged registering in the Odyseusz travel registration system prior to departure and advised checking the ministry's website to review the rules and regulations of the destination country.

Special attention should be paid to both safety and weather concerns, it said.

Tourists evacuated from fire-hit hotels on Greek island Crete

Heatwaves are currently sweeping across Europe, with wildfires raging on the Greek island of Crete.

Overnight into Thursday, around 5,000 tourists were forced to evacuate hotels in the fire-affected southeastern part of the island.

Evacuations covered areas near the city of Ierapetra, including the towns of Agia Fotia, Achlia, Galini, Ferma and Kutsunari, according to reports.

The forest fire, which broke out on Wednesday afternoon during the peak tourist season, impacted hotels that were around 90-percent occupied, according to local officials.

Emergency services treated several people for respiratory issues and minor injuries, but tourists were unharmed, local media reported.

Firefighting efforts are being hampered by strong storm-force winds, reaching up to 9 on the Beaufort scale at times. Weather services say extreme conditions are expected to continue until Thursday evening, when winds should ease to 5-6 on the same scale.

A firefighter works at the scene of a wildfire in Ierapetra, Eastern Crete island, Greece. A large wildfire erupted in the afternoon in an agro-forested area in eastern Crete, at the Ahlia site in Lasithi prefecture, with authorities later issuing an alert to local residents to evacuate towards Ierapetra. Photo: NIKOS CHALKIADAKIS/PAP/EPA A firefighter works at the scene of a wildfire near the city of Ierapetra on the Greek island of Crete. A large wildfire erupted in the area on Wednesday afternoon, with authorities later issuing an alert to local residents to evacuate. Photo: NIKOS CHALKIADAKIS/PAP/EPA

Polish tourists safely relocated amid Crete wildfires

Asked about Polish nationals on Crete, ministry spokesman Paweł Wroński told broadcaster Polsat News that Poles on the island were part of a larger group of international tourists.

He added that Polish tourists were moved to safer locations due to smoke hazards in the areas where firefighting operations are ongoing.

“There have been no reports of anyone being harmed in any way,” Wroński said.

Severe heatwaves sweep through Europe, causing deaths and disruptions

Italy, France and the UK have been grappling with severe heatwaves causing fatalities, power shortages and record-breaking temperatures.

The Italian island of Sardinia has been hit by deadly heat, with two men suddenly dying on its scorching beaches as temperatures soared above 40°C.

In Florence, the heat forced some shops to close temporarily due to a blackout, according to reports.

Heat-induced blackout in centre of Florence. A shop in Italy is closed due to a sudden blackout because of the heatwave. The Italian Ministry of Health has declared a red alert across the country, where healthy people could suffer negative effects due to the extreme temperatures. Photo: CLAUDIO GIOVANNINI/ PAP/EPA Heat-induced blackout in central Florence. A shop in Italy is closed due to a sudden blackout because of the heatwave. The Italian Ministry of Health has declared a red alert across the country, where healthy people could suffer negative effects due to the extreme temperatures. Photo: CLAUDIO GIOVANNINI/ PAP/EPA

Meanwhile, France is mourning the loss of a 10-year-old American tourist who died in Versailles after suffering from heat-related distress.

The UK recorded its hottest June ever, with temperatures peaking at 33.6°C in Kent, and warnings have been issued for more extreme heat events linked to climate change.

A heat wave was felt even in Denmark. People sunbathed at Ofelia Plads in Copenhagen on 2 July 2025. In several parts of the country, temperatures were expected to reach between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius that day. Photo: THOMAS TRAASDAHL DENMARK/PAP/EPA A heat wave was felt even in Denmark. People sunbathed at Ofelia Plads in Copenhagen on Wednesday. In several parts of the country, temperatures were expected to reach between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius that day. Photo: THOMAS TRAASDAHL DENMARK/PAP/EPA
The German Weather Service is warning of a heat wave with temperatures reaching up to 38 degrees Celsius across much of the country. Photo: HANNIBAL HANSCHKE/PAP/EPA The German Weather Service has warned of a heat wave with temperatures reaching up to 38 degrees Celsius across much of the country. Photo: HANNIBAL HANSCHKE/PAP/EPA

Doctors advise avoiding sun exposure during heatwaves, especially between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when UV rays are strongest and the risk of overheating is highest.

The Polish foreign ministry advises citizens to always carry their documents while traveling abroad so they can quickly leave a dangerous area if needed.

(mp/gs)

Source: MSZ/IAR/PAP/X/@PLinGreece