Severe weather in the northern hemisphere

Last updated
Tuesday, 08/08/2023

 

Severe weather events are currently impacting much of the northern hemisphere.

  • Europe, North America and Asia are experiencing dangerous extreme heat.
  • Severe flooding is currently affecting China.
  • Severe flooding is expected in Norway and Sweden.
  • Tropical storms are impacting Japan and South Korea. 
  • Wildfires are burning across Europe, including Greece, Spain and Italy, prompting evacuations.
  • Floods and landslides have claimed lives and forced evacuations across south and south-east Asia, including India, Bhutan and Nepal.

If you're currently travelling or planning to travel in the coming weeks, it's important to know how to stay safe.

Before you go 

  • Read the travel advice for your destination and subscribe for updates. Understand what natural disasters can affect where you're travelling.
  • Keep across current events in your destination and decide whether it's still safe for you to go.
  • Contact your travel providers. Flights to and within your destination may be affected.
  • Know what to do if something happens while you're away. Read our advice on severe weather and natural disasters.
  • Check your travel insurance. Make sure it covers you for extreme weather events that you might face.

While you're travelling

  • Stay up-to-date. Monitor the local media for current events.
  • Follow the advice of local authorities.

Local authorities in some destinations are advising locals and tourists to stay inside due to the extreme heat. This includes advising people to avoid popular tourist attractions, particularly in Europe. Although it may be disappointing to miss out, always follow the advice of local authorities. Heat exhaustion can be life-threatening if not taken seriously. Read our advice on what to do during extreme heat.

What to do in a natural disaster

What you should do can depend on what's happening. But in general, do the following:

  • Get as much information as possible about what's happening.
  • Decide whether to shelter in the area or leave.
  • If you decide to stay and shelter in the area, prepare for the event by gathering supplies, preparing your accommodation, or evacuating to a shelter.
  • Always follow the advice of local authorities. If they issue an evacuation order, act on it quickly.
  • Contact your loved ones and insurer to inform them of the situation.
  • Stay inside and follow instructions from authorities.
  • Stay informed through emergency radio stations.

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