Europe is sweltering under an intense heatwave, with Germany and Italy experiencing record-breaking temperatures.
Germany is bracing for its hottest day of the year on Tuesday, with temperatures forecast to reach nearly 40C. The humidity will make it feel even hotter, leading to potential discomfort. Even at night, some areas are expected to remain above 20C, resulting in what are known as tropical nights. The German Weather Service (DWD) measured the highest temperature this year on Monday at 35.7C in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler in Rhineland-Palatinate. As the heat spreads northeast, temperatures of 37C are anticipated in some parts of the country, potentially breaking another record. A heat alert has been issued for most of Germany, except for parts of the North and Baltic Sea coastlines. Level 2 and level 3 warnings have been issued for areas of Baden-Württemberg, particularly around Schweighausen and Oberprechtal, northeast of Freiburg. The government is advising people to drink two to three liters of water daily, reschedule intense physical activity to cooler times, and wear sun protection when outdoors. By Tuesday afternoon, Weilerswist-Lommersum in North Rhine-Westphalia had already reached a reported 35C, highlighting the extreme temperatures in the region. As temperatures cool later in the week, forecasters predict widespread rain and high winds associated with thunderstorms.
Italy also faces scorching temperatures, with the heatwave expected to peak just before August 15th. Sardinia and Sicily are forecast to be the most severely affected regions. While temperatures are below the record levels seen in 2023, the Ministry of Health data indicates an unusually widespread heatwave across the country. On Monday, around 17 cities, including Rome, Palermo, and Florence, were placed under the Ministry of Health’s red alert. That number rose to 19 on Tuesday and is expected to climb further to 22 on Wednesday, marking a record number of red warnings for Italy. This highest level of heat warning signifies a significant health risk to the general population, particularly vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, and those with existing health conditions. Only five of the 27 major cities monitored by Italian health authorities – Catania, Civitavecchia, Messina, Pescara, and Reggio Calabria – will be under the lower yellow level of alert on Wednesday. Authorities are urging people to stay indoors during the afternoon, avoid physical activity, and ensure adequate water intake.
The heatwave is expected to ease as the Ferragosto holiday approaches, with most of Italy experiencing a significant cool-down by the weekend. Thursday, August 15th, and Friday, August 16th, may bring cloudy skies and possible thunderstorms.
This extreme heatwave underscores the accelerating impact of human-caused climate change, with Europe experiencing the most rapid warming among continents.
