Europe: High temperatures forecast across parts of east-central Europe through at least July 14

High temperatures are forecast to persist across much of Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia through at least July 14. Over the coming days, maximum temperatures in excess of 35 C (95 F) are possible across parts of the region.

As of July 9, Austria's Central Institution for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) has issued yellow heat warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale) across much of eastern and southern Austria and parts of north-central and western Austria July 9. Orange heat warnings have been issued across parts of eastern and southern Austria and pockets of north-central Austria July 10-11, with yellow warnings in place across much of the rest of the country. Orange heat warnings remain in place for much of eastern and parts of north-central and southern Austria July 12-13, with yellow warnings in place across the rest of central, northern, and southern Austria.

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute has issued yellow high-temperature warnings across Central Bohemian and Prague regions, much of South Moravian and Usti nad Labem regions, and parts of central, southern, and western Hradec Kralove, southwestern Liberec, south-central and southern Olomouc, northwestern Pardubice, eastern and north-central Plzen, and western Zlin regions July 9. Orange high-temperature warnings are in place for much of South Moravian and parts of eastern central Bohemian, southwestern Hradec Kralove, south-central and southern Olomouc, northwestern Pardubice, and north-central and western Zlin regions July 10. Yellow high-temperature warnings are in place across the rest of central, eastern, and north-central Czech Republic July 10.

Poland's Institute of Meteorology and Water Management has issued orange heat warnings across Holy Cross, Lodz, Lublin, Lubusz, Masovian, and Opole provinces, much of Greater Poland, Lesser Poland, Lower Silesian, Silesian, and Subcarpathuan provinces, and parts of central, eastern, southern, and western Kuyavian-Pomeranian, southern and western Podlaskie, and southern and western West Pomeranian provinces. The warnings are in place through July 10 in central and western areas of the country and through July 13 in eastern and southern regions.

The Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute has issued orange high-temperature warnings across parts of southwestern Banksa Bystrica, eastern Kosice, and central, eastern, and southern Nitra regions and yellow high-temperature warnings across the rest of southern and western Slovakia July 9. Further orange and yellow high-temperature warnings are in place across southern and western regions July 10-11.

Officials will likely update and extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

The high temperatures may result in increased energy and water demand and a heightened risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

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.

Very high temperatures may warp rail tracks and force passenger and freight trains to operate at reduced speeds. Road surface damage is also possible, 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 stress vehicles, making tire blowouts more common. Major flight disruptions are unlikely, 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.