Extreme Heat Moves East Across Europe
Extreme heat that affected central and western Europe, including the UK, is shifting eastwards. While western Europe sees cooler weather with downpours and thunderstorms, eastern Europe will experience temperatures several degrees above the early July average into next week.
Peak highs of between 35C and 40C are expected across southern Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and into the northern Balkans. A tourist in Székesfehérvár, Hungary, was photographed cooling down with water from a public well, illustrating the intensity of the heatwave.
Typhoon Mekkhala Intensifies in the Pacific
Typhoon Mekkhala, the seventh typhoon of the season in the western Pacific, strengthened east of Luzon on Sunday with sustained winds of 75mph (120km/h) and gusts exceeding 100mph over open water. It is set to head northwards through the Philippine Sea this week.
Forecast projections suggest Mekkhala will reach peak intensity during Tuesday and Wednesday, with sustained wind speeds breaking 100mph. While the typhoon is expected to remain over the Philippine Sea, it may produce large wave conditions close to Taiwan, prompting warnings to shipping.
Potential Impacts on Japan
As the weakening typhoon approaches southern Japan later this week, likely downgrading to a tropical storm or extra-tropical depression, it may bring strong winds and high seas around southern Japan's coasts. Heavy rainfall is already expected ahead of the typhoon remnants, and interaction with ex-Mekkhala could intensify rainfall, raising the threat of flooding.
Severe Thunderstorms in the United States
Over the past week, severe and widespread thunderstorms have affected central and eastern parts of the US, disrupting some World Cup fixtures. The focus for severe weather is likely to shift back west to the Great Plains through the coming week, initially with thunderstorm risks from Colorado to Texas.
By Thursday, indications suggest the storm threat will broaden again, heading further eastwards later in the week. Such thunderstorms may bring significant flooding, large hail, and the risk of tornadoes.
