Red alert: Federal Foreign Office warns of scorching heat and drought in southern Europe!

Red alert: Federal Foreign Office warns of scorching heat and drought in southern Europe!

Current warnings from the Federal Foreign Office are aimed at travelers planning a trip to seven Mediterranean countries. These warnings are particularly relevant as extreme weather conditions, such as heatwaves and drought, can pose significant challenges for holidaymakers in Greece and Italy. Temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius are expected in Greece and the Foreign Office strongly advises caution.

Recommendations for travelers in Greece include avoiding direct sunlight and crowded public areas. Vacationers should wear light, light-colored clothing and drink enough fluids. In addition, it is recommended to always take drinking water with you, apply sunscreen and have a charged cell phone and a power bank in your luggage.

Extreme weather conditions in southern Europe

In 2025, southern Europe will face extreme weather conditions. Italy and Greece in particular have already issued drought warnings, increasing the risk of water shortages and forest fires. According to meteorological forecasts, summer 2025 will be characterized by above-average temperatures. In southern Spain, temperatures of over 45 degrees Celsius are possible, while highs of over 44 degrees Celsius are predicted for Sicily and Apulia as well as Greece.

The Climate Risk Index shows that Italy, Greece and Spain are among the countries most affected by extreme weather events. Between 1993 and 2022, extreme weather events in these countries resulted in more than 65,000 deaths and caused over $90 billion in economic losses. Greece is currently the 19th most water-stressed country in the world.

Travel warnings in other countries

In addition to the warnings for Greece and Italy, the Foreign Office has issued partial travel warnings for Egypt, Israel and Lebanon, which point out the existing terrorist threats. In Egypt, it is not recommended to travel to the north of the Sinai Peninsula and the border regions with Libya and Sudan. In Lebanon, stays in the south of the country as well as in the Bekaa Valley and areas bordering Syria should be avoided. Israel is warned against traveling to the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

In addition, German citizens are advised to leave Libya because of the threat of terrorist attacks and kidnappings there. The situation in Syria is also tense as the German embassy is closed and consular assistance is severely limited. Travel warnings also apply to Turkey.

For all travelers who have holiday plans in the Mediterranean countries, it is advisable to keep themselves informed about the current weather warnings and security situation in order to minimize possible risks. The Federal Foreign Office refers to the ISPRA and MeteoAlarm websites, which provide current information and warnings.

For further information the FR as well as In Franconia be visited.