Europe: High temperatures forecast to persist across parts of east-central Europe through at least July 19 /update 1

High temperatures are forecast to persist across much of Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia through at least July 19. Over the coming days, maximum temperatures in excess of 35 C (95 F) are possible across parts of the region.

As of July 15, Austria's Central Institution for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) has issued orange heat warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) across parts of eastern and southern Austria through July 19. Yellow heat warnings are in place across parts of central and northern Austria and isolated pockets of western Austria.

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute has issued yellow high-temperature warnings across Prague, much of South Moravian, and parts of central, eastern, and northern Central Bohemian, central Usti nad Labem, and central and western Zlin regions July 15. Further yellow heat warnings are in place across Zlin and much of Moravian-Silesian, Olomouc, and South Moravian regions July 16.

Poland's Institute of Meteorology and Water Management has issued orange heat warnings across Holy Cross, Lodz, Lublin, Opole, and Subcarpathian provinces, much of Lesser Poland and Silesian Provinces, and parts of central and southern Greater Poland, eastern Lower Silesian, central and southern Masovian, and southern Podlaskie provinces. Yellow heat warnings are in place for much of Lubusz and parts of western Greater Poland and central, northern, and western Lower Silesian provinces. The warnings are in place through July 16 in central and western areas of the country and through July 17 in eastern and southeastern regions.

The Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute has issued orange high-temperature warnings across parts of eastern Kosice and central, eastern, and southern Nitra regions and yellow high-temperature warnings across the rest of southern and western and parts of eastern Slovakia July 15. Further orange and yellow high-temperature warnings are in place across eastern, southern, and western regions July 16-17.

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.