The arrival of astronomical summer in Europe brings with it extremely warm weather. A massive subtropical high pressure system began to form over the entire continent, pumping hot air directly from North Africa into the region of Western and Central Europe. This change in the synoptic situation will last throughout the summer solstice period. The result will be stable, sunny weather with temperatures well above long-term climate averages, this was reported by the portal.
The most extreme conditions will affect the western and southwestern parts of Europe. The influx of Saharan air will advance through the Iberian Peninsula over France, Switzerland and northern Italy. It will not be a short-term fluctuation, but a long-lasting heat wave with tropical days and extremely warm nights. Local meteorological services are already responding by issuing severe warnings to the population.
Special heat wave warnings are in effect in Spain from Sunday, June 21 and will last at least until Wednesday. Inland areas, river valleys and the Balearic Islands are particularly at risk. Temperatures there will rise to 38 to 40 °C on Sunday. In the valleys of the Tagus, Guadiana and Guadalquivir rivers, up to 42 °C is expected, and the peak of the wave will occur on Tuesday, when thermometers can occasionally show up to 44 °C.
The heat wave is already in full swing in France and from Saturday, June 20, an orange alert applies to 60 departments. This affects more than half of the population there. The previous days had already brought record temperatures, when June maximums fell at several stations. The temperature in the city of Montmorillon even exceeded 40 °C for the first time.
Even stronger heat will hit France on Sunday and Monday. According to Météo-France, the average temperature in the country could approach historical records. Daily highs these days will rise to 37 to 42 °C, and night temperatures in many regions will not fall below 20 to 22 °Cwhich represents a significant biometeorological burden.
The tropical weather will not bypass Italy either, where the heat will hit with temperatures around 40 °C especially the Po Valley, Piedmont and Tuscany. Cities such as Turin and Florence are also preparing for extreme temperatures. The heat will also be felt in the Alps. In Switzerland, the freezing point rises up to an altitude of about 4,500 meters, while the sky can be covered with milk haze due to the Saharan dust.
In addition to the scorching heat, there is also a threat of local afternoon storms, especially in the mountainous regions of Spain, France and Italy. These can often be dry or with only minimal precipitation. However, they will be accompanied by strong gusts of wind and hail, which, in combination with the parched landscape, significantly increases the risk of forest fires.
The coming days will bring one of the most intense June heat waves in the modern history of Europe. In its strength and scope, it is comparable to the critical episodes of 2003 and 2019. The worst situation will last from Sunday to Tuesday, and gradual cooling and relief is expected only in the second half of the following week.
