Russia: Heatwave forecast to persist across southwestern and western districts through at least July 20 /update 1

Forecast models indicate that high temperatures will persist over parts of southwestern and western Russia through at least July 20. Temperatures of around 30-42 C (86-108 F) are expected across parts of the Central, North-Caucasian, Southern, and Volga federal districts over the coming days, with the highest temperatures expected in southwestern regions.

As of July 17, the Russian Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring has issued the following warnings across the affected area:

• Orange high-temperature warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Belgorod Oblast, Kursk Oblast, Voronezh Oblast, Lipetsk Oblast, Moscow City, Tambov Oblast, Krasnodar Kray, Republic of Adygea, Rostov Oblast, Volgograd Oblast, Chechen Republic, Kabardino-Balkar Republic, Republic of Ingushetia, and Stavropol Kray.

• Yellow high-temperature warnings: Ryazan Oblast, Tula Oblast, Tver Oblast, Vladimir Oblast, Orenburg Oblast, Penza Oblast, Samara Oblast, Saratov Oblast, and the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change 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 further wildfire growth throughout the affected areas. Heatwaves also pose a threat to 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 being hospitalized for dehydration.

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 put more stress on vehicles, 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.