Warning of heat waves and dangers in the Mediterranean – vacationers beware!

Warning of heat waves and dangers in the Mediterranean – vacationers beware!

On May 23, 2025, the Federal Foreign Office updated its travel recommendations for the Mediterranean region and issued clear warnings. Travel to countries such as Greece, Spain, France and Italy could become increasingly risky. In particular, the extreme temperatures announced during the summer months pose a health risk. In Greece, heat waves with temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius are not uncommon, which can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable groups of people such as infants, children, seniors and people with chronic illnesses. Holidaymakers should avoid physical exertion in the midday heat and protect themselves well.

Hikers in the region in particular should take appropriate precautions. When hiking, it is advisable to take sun protection and plenty of drinking water with you. A charged cell phone and a power bank should also be included so that you can be reached in an emergency. The Federal Foreign Office also points out the risk of earthquakes in Greece, especially on the island of Santorini, as well as the increased risk of forest fires in the entire Mediterranean region.

Extreme weather and water shortages

The situation in Italy is equally worrying. Here, travelers are faced with droughts and water shortages, especially in Sicily, where the highest alert level has already been reached. The Italian Ministry of the Environment, Ispra, provides current information on the weather situation. These climatic conditions are not only problematic for travelers, but also for the local population, who are already suffering from the consequences.

Climate change is a significant contributor to these extreme weather conditions. According to a 2022 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the air in the Mediterranean region is warming between 20 and 50 percent faster than the global average. Projections suggest that temperatures could rise 2 to 3.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels by the end of the 21st century, even if the Paris climate targets are met. If high CO₂ emissions continue, warming could even exceed 5 degrees.

Ecological challenges

These developments have serious impacts on the environment. The warming of the Mediterranean is leading to an increase in water temperatures and an increase in algae and jellyfish. Some species of jellyfish can cause painful encounters with vacationers. However, there is no danger of extremely dangerous jellyfish such as box jellyfish in the Mediterranean. In the long term, it is predicted that seawater will become more acidic, which can harm numerous marine organisms. This not only affects biodiversity, but also the economic foundations of many Mediterranean countries that are heavily dependent on tourism.

The extreme weather and increasing risk of forest fires are in line with the IPCC forecasts. The report points out that the number of days with high or extreme fire danger in southern Europe has already reached the level expected in 2050. Marine heat waves, which will become more intense and more frequent in the long term, could pose significant risks to human health and the economy in the future, which is why travelers should start their summer vacation well informed and prepared.

In conclusion, both the conditions for travelers and the environmental challenges in the Mediterranean region are worrying. While the Federal Foreign Office issues timely warnings, climate change is actively involved in exacerbating these problems. Travelers should therefore be particularly careful and prepare well for their stay.

For detailed information on the current situation and weather conditions, we recommend using the official websites such as those of the Federal Foreign Office here and the IPCC report here to consult.