Marek Kučera 
Continental Europe is forecasted to experience a significant heatwave during the period from July 18th to 24th, 2025, with temperatures expected to reach or exceed 40°C in multiple regions. This extreme heat event is poised to affect countries across Central, Southern, and parts of Eastern Europe, continuing a trend of increasingly frequent and intense summer heatwaves in recent decades.
Forecast Overview
Meteorological models indicate the development of a persistent high-pressure system over parts of the European continent, creating conditions for prolonged intense solar heating and limited cloud cover. This will likely result in:
- Temperatures climbing above 40°C in regions including parts of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, Hungary, and the Balkans.
- Heatwaves lasting several days, increasing health risks and stressing infrastructure.
- Nighttime temperatures remaining unusually high, reducing relief from daytime heat.
Past Records of Extreme Heat in Continental Europe
Europe has experienced notable heat extremes in recent years, with several instances of +40°C temperatures becoming more common:
- The summer of 2003 featured one of the deadliest heatwaves in recent history, with many areas in France, Spain, and Italy exceeding 40°C for multiple days.
- In 2019 and 2022, heatwaves produced multiple new national temperature records, including:
- France reaching 46.0°C in June 2019.
- Spain and Portugal reporting temperatures above 45°C.
- Germany’s highest recorded temperature reaching 42.6°C in 2019.
- Southern and Central Europe increasingly experience heatwaves lasting more than a week, accompanied by drought conditions and wildfires.
Climate Trends and Implications
The expected heatwave is consistent with a pattern of climate change-induced warming affecting the European continent:
- Heatwaves are increasing in frequency, duration, and intensity, linked to global warming.
- The Mediterranean and Central Europe are particularly vulnerable due to their continental and Mediterranean climates, which amplify temperature extremes.
- Impacts include increased health risks, especially for vulnerable populations, strain on power grids, water scarcity, agricultural stress, and heightened wildfire risk.
Outlook for July 18–24, 2025
The upcoming heatwave is forecast to produce several consecutive days with daytime highs exceeding 40°C, particularly in:
- The Po Valley in Italy
- Parts of Southern and Central France
- The Danube Basin including Hungary and Austria
- The Balkan Peninsula
Authorities and residents should prepare for extreme heat conditions, ensuring adequate hydration, limiting outdoor activities during peak hours, and supporting vulnerable groups.
Source: wetterzentrale.de
Detail
Marek Sadowski 
