Europe: Heat warnings in place for eastern and northern regions through July 17

Event

Officials have issued various weather warnings for excessive heat across eastern and northern Europe through at least July 17. As of early July 13, the following warnings are in place:

• Red warnings (the highest level on a four-tier scale): Bacs-Kiskun, Baranya, Csongrad-Csanad, and Tolna counties in Hungary, Latvia, and the northern Sumadija and Western Serbia and western Southern and Eastern Serbia regions in Serbia.

• Orange warnings (second-highest level): Northeastern Austria, southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belarus, southeastern Finland, southern and central Hungary, eastern Lithuania, most of Poland, the rest of Serbia, southern Slovakia, and eastern Slovenia.

• Yellow warnings (third-highest level): The rest of the affected area.

Officials could upgrade or expand the alerts over the coming days as conditions change.

Hazardous Conditions
The extended period of oppressive heat and dry conditions may produce ideal circumstances for wildfire growth throughout the region. Heatwaves also threaten vulnerable groups - such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with respiratory illnesses - due to the increased possibility of heat stroke or heat exhaustion during prolonged exposure to high temperatures. These health risks could also extend to relatively healthy individuals during significant heatwave events. In addition to significantly impacting athletes and those who work outdoors, high temperatures can cause problems for people using mass transit. The lack of air conditioning and cramped vehicles during rush hour may lead to some passengers' hospitalization.

Transport and Utilities
Very high temperatures may damage road surfaces, and overheated vehicles may worsen traffic problems in urban areas where congestion is already a problem. Commercial trucking disruptions might occur, as very high temperatures put more stress on engines, making tire blowouts more common. Major flight disruptions are unlikely at regional airports, but general aviation disruptions are possible, and some airfreight carriers could reduce cargo loads. High temperatures could lead to an increased demand for electricity, which might trigger localized brownouts or blackouts, exacerbating hazardous conditions when air conditioning is no longer possible.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. During heatwaves, remain indoors in air conditioning when possible. If outdoor activities are necessary, frequently rest in shaded areas; avoid activity during the hottest times of the day. Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid alcoholic beverages, which are dehydrating; drink bottled or boiled water. Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Cotton fabrics are more cooling than synthetics. Promptly seek medical attention if signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke develop. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Meteoalarm
Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics, Austria
Department of Hydrometeorology, Belarus
Meteorological Institute, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Meteorological and Hydrological Service, Croatia
Finnish Meteorological Institute
Meteorological Service of Hungary
Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Agency
Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service
Institute of Meteorology and Water Management, Poland
Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia
Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute
Meteorological Office, Slovenia