Weather warnings are in effect across Europe as several countries prepare for intense heat next week. Temperatures could approach 40°C in parts of Spain, France, and Italy. French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu convened an emergency meeting with 14 ministers this morning, as red and orange heat warnings are active in 80 of France's departments.
Spain and Germany Under Heat Alerts
Spain is enduring a persistent heatwave, with red and orange weather alerts issued for Monday and Tuesday, expected to be the hottest days. Most of Germany is also under a heat warning, according to its official weather forecaster.
UK Extreme Heat Warning
In the UK, an extreme heat warning is in force for early next week, covering areas including the East Midlands, East of England, London, South West, and Wales. The Met Office stated: "A developing hot spell through Monday and Tuesday will likely lead to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure."
High Temperatures and Humidity
Further guidance from the Met Office noted: "Following very warm weather on Sunday, very high temperatures, accompanied by high humidity, are expected on Monday and especially Tuesday. It will likely bring widespread impacts to people and infrastructure. In addition to high daytime maxima, temperatures overnight will remain very warm, especially in larger urban areas."
Temperatures are likely to reach the low to mid-30s Celsius in places on Monday and into the mid-30s Celsius more widely on Tuesday. Some urban areas may see temperatures remain above 20°C overnight. The extreme heat is expected to persist across parts of the UK later into the week.
Travel Advice and Record Heat Potential
For those in areas under extreme heat warnings, the Met Office advises checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, and adjusting travel plans if necessary. Carrying water and a small battery-powered fan is recommended. The current June temperature record is 35.6°C, and there is a chance this could be challenged next week.
The Met Office added: "The frequency and intensity of heatwaves has increased worldwide. Met Office projections indicate that hot spells will become more frequent in our future climate, particularly over the south-east of the UK. Temperatures are projected to rise in all seasons, but the heat would be most intense in summer."
Definition of a Heatwave
A heatwave is defined as an extended period of hot weather relative to the expected conditions for that area at that time of year, often accompanied by high humidity. In the UK, the heatwave threshold is met when a location records at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the threshold, which varies by county.
