Traveling to Europe this summer? How to beat scorching temperatures during the unprecedented heat wave

Skip the spritzes and ditch the elaborate vacay wardrobe.

Extreme heat is melting national records across Europe.

France experienced its hottest day to date on Wednesday. Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle are suspending their Changing of the Guard ceremony for the rest of the week. 

The recorded temperature peaked at 111.7 degrees (44.3 degrees Celsius) in the southwestern town of Pissos, France and for the second day in a row, the UK broke its record for the hottest temperature recorded in May (95 degrees).

It’s safe to say, if you’re embarking on a European adventure this summer, plan on drinking tons of water and constantly fanning yourself.

As a result, hundreds of schools shut down or closed early because who can teach, let alone learn, in such uncomfortable heat? 48 people died in France from drowning while trying to stay cool and two elderly people died of heatstroke in Spain.

Pack water bottles and stay hydrated during this heat wave Europe is experiencing. Elena – stock.adobe.com

Experts say this “Euro heat dome” is caused by an “omega block,” high pressure in the upper atmosphere, causing the air to sink and compress. When the heat is stuck, the dome inhibits any storms that would relieve the heat, according to Weather.com.

Having some heat-wave precautions in mind can help visitors stay as cool as possible when touring Europe.

Only sightsee in the wee hours of the morning before temps reach their peak and find AC-filled activities such as museums, churches and shopping centers to fill your days.

But then again, Europeans don’t believe in AC, so good luck finding adequate cool air during this wild heat dome.

Europe’s public water fountains are a great way to stay hydrated when walking through cities in the heat dome. karrastock – stock.adobe.com

If you’re adamant about getting your summer vacation’s money’s worth, carry a portable battery-powered fan and a cooling towel when waiting in lines for excursions, public transit or doing extensive walking. Skip the Aperol spritzes and instead bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.

And while you may want to dress to impress for some cute vacay selfies, wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing is key.

While this news might be disappointing to some, others find it enjoyable.

“Southern Europe is, in my opinion, more pleasant to visit in the heat compared to central/northern Europe because they are used to the heat and AC is common,” one Redditor wrote to a tourist asking if they should cancel their upcoming Euro trip. “Just start your day early and take a break in the afternoon.”

Others claimed they’re not to be worried about their trips, saying Europe’s heat is nothing compared to scorching summers the states have had.

“I’m going to Switzerland in August and people are saying it’s too hot to hike. I live in the southern USA and they don’t know hot lol,” another Redditor commented.

But with Europe being the fastest-warming continent on Earth, it may soon surpass temperatures that the USA is used to.