A new heatwave is affecting large parts of Europe, with meteorologists warning that the situation is expected to peak between the weekend and early next week.
The extreme conditions are being driven by a “thermal dome” trapping exceptionally hot air masses from North Africa over western and central Europe. Temperatures could reach as high as 45°C across parts of the Iberian Peninsula.
Forecasters warn that the heatwave in Europe is expected to be prolonged, increasing pressure on public health systems and infrastructure.
France, Germany and Italy issue warnings
In France, Météo-France has placed 26 departments under orange heatwave alert as temperatures continue to rise.
Forecasts for Thursday indicate temperatures of up to 38°C in Nevers, 37°C in Paris and Brive, 36°C in Lyon and 35°C in Toulouse. Authorities have also expressed concern over the return of so-called “tropical nights”, where temperatures remain above 20°C overnight, limiting the body’s ability to recover from daytime heat stress.
Temperatures in several areas, including the wider Paris region, could approach or exceed 40°C by Sunday.
Germany is experiencing similar conditions, with the high-pressure system “Gorgias” pushing warm and humid air from north-west Africa into central Europe.
Temperatures are expected to exceed 30°C across most regions, while south-western areas may reach 36°C. Meteorologists do not rule out local temperatures approaching 40°C over the weekend.
Heat conditions are also expected to combine with severe thunderstorms, hail, strong winds and heavy rainfall, particularly in western and north-western regions.
In Italy, authorities have already issued orange and yellow heat warnings in 17 major cities.
Cities including Bologna, Florence, Perugia and Turin are under orange alert, with temperatures expected between 33°C and 36°C combined with high humidity levels. Rome, Milan, Naples and Verona remain under yellow alert status.
Health concerns grow over tropical nights
Experts say the intensity and duration of the heatwave in Europe are linked to a large thermal dome, a strong high-pressure system acting like a lid over the atmosphere.
The system traps hot air close to the surface while preventing cloud development and cooler air from entering affected regions. This can result in rising temperatures lasting several days or even weeks.
Scientists are also expressing concern about the increase in tropical nights, especially across Mediterranean and western European cities.
When temperatures remain above 20°C overnight, the human body struggles to recover from heat exposure during the day. Experts warn that consecutive hot nights may contribute more to heat-related mortality than daytime temperature peaks.
As Europe approaches the summer solstice, meteorological services say the most severe phase of the heatwave may still lie ahead.
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