Extreme Heatwaves in Europe Minimally until Early August!

Marek Kučera June 23, 2025 2 min read

Europe is bracing for an extended period of extreme heatwaves expected to persist at least until early August, according to the latest forecasts from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). These prolonged high temperatures signal a challenging summer ahead with significant implications for public health, agriculture, and infrastructure.

🔥 Forecast Overview

The ECMWF charts depict a persistent heat dome over much of Southern and Central Europe, causing widespread temperature anomalies far above seasonal averages. Key highlights include:

Sustained temperatures soaring 40-45°C, rarely later 48°C in southern Europe, including Spain, Italy, and parts of the Balkans.
Central and Western Europe facing prolonged spells of 35°C to 40°C, rarely 42°C with some localized peaks exceeding 42°C.
Eastern Europe is not spared, experiencing heatwaves with temperatures consistently above 35°C.

This pattern is forecast to maintain itself with little significant relief through July and into early August 2025, intensifying drought stress and heat-related challenges.

🌡️ Regional Impacts

Southern Europe: Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece will likely face the harshest heat, with daily highs exceeding 40°C for multiple consecutive days.
Central Europe: Germany, France, Austria, and Switzerland will experience unusually high temperatures with record-breaking hot nights that reduce natural cooling periods.
Eastern Europe: Countries like Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria will endure sustained heatwaves adding pressure on agriculture and water resources.

⚠️ Implications and Risks

The prolonged extreme heat is expected to:

Increase health risks, including heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heatstroke, particularly among vulnerable groups.
Worsen drought conditions, affecting water supplies and crop yields, potentially threatening food security in some regions.
Raise energy demand as air conditioning use surges, risking power shortages or outages.
Elevate the risk of wildfires, especially in Mediterranean and forested regions.

🛡️ Preparedness and Adaptation

Authorities across Europe are urged to prepare for ongoing heat stress by:

Implementing heat-health action plans to protect vulnerable populations.
Managing water resources carefully to cope with drought.
Enhancing fire prevention measures and readiness.
Informing the public about heat safety tips and staying hydrated.

🌍 Broader Climate Context

This extended heatwave aligns with broader trends driven by climate change, which is making extreme heat events more frequent, intense, and longer-lasting. The ECMWF forecast underscores the urgent need for climate resilience and adaptation strategies across Europe.