Europe’s Heatwave Has Arrived — And Irish Holidaymakers Are in for a Shock

Irish tourists heading abroad this summer are being told to cool the jets and take the heat seriously this time- because parts of Europe are already a literal oven, and we’re barely into July. Places like Spain, Italy, and Greece are hitting the mid-40s, and that’s before the real heat kicks in.

Met Éireann’s advice is fairly simple: bring the factor 50, drink water like you’re on a stag do in the Sahara, and maybe don’t go frying yourself on a sun lounger at 3pm. This kind of heat isn’t a joke — especially when you’ve just stepped off a Ryanair flight with no air con and your only protection is a Penneys hat.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has also said to keep an eye on local warnings — wildfires, blackouts and even flight disruptions aren’t out of the question.

So if you’re heading off soon, don’t just pack the swim shorts and Bluetooth speaker. Check the forecast, be sound to yourself, and don’t act the maggot in the sun. There’s a big difference between a healthy glow and being mistaken for a lobster at passport control.