A intense heatwave continues to grip Western Europe, with France, Germany, and Italy now experiencing extreme temperatures and weather warnings. In France, Météo-France has extended orange heatwave alerts to 45 departments, including the Paris region, as temperatures are expected to peak on Monday, August 12, reaching up to 40°C in some areas. The French meteorological service warns that ‘The heatwave will be intense, and we expect temperatures to reach 40°C in some areas,’ urging citizens to take precautions and stay hydrated.Germany is also bracing for scorching temperatures, with the German Weather Service (DWD) predicting highs of up to 37°C on Tuesday. Sebastian Schappert, a DWD meteorologist, cautioned that ‘a high air humidity during the day will lead to felt temperatures of up to 40°C, resulting in a high to extreme heat stress’. The heat is expected to be particularly severe in the southwest, with some areas potentially experiencing ‘tropical nights’ where temperatures don’t drop below 20°C.However, the extreme heat in Germany is expected to give way to severe thunderstorms. The DWD warns of a high risk of strong thunderstorms, heavy rain, and even hail, particularly from Tuesday onwards. As one weather service put it, ‘it’s going to be a hot start to the week, followed by severe thunderstorms’.Meanwhile, Italy is also suffering from the heatwave, with the internal center-south peninsula expected to face the most challenging conditions. The hot weather is predicted to persist throughout the week, including during the Ferragosto holiday.Meteorologists attribute this heatwave to hot air moving from North Africa across Europe. While the peak of the heat is expected on Monday and Tuesday, some relief is anticipated later in the week as storms move in from the west, particularly in France and Germany. However, authorities across the affected countries continue to advise caution and emphasize the importance of staying cool and hydrated during this period of extreme weather.
Key points
- A heatwave is affecting Western Europe, with temperatures expected to reach up to 40°C in some areas.
- France has extended orange heatwave alerts to 45 departments.
- Germany is expecting temperatures up to 37°C, followed by severe thunderstorms.
- Italy is also experiencing high temperatures, particularly in the center-south peninsula.
