Russia: High temperatures forecast to persist across parts of Central, Northwest, Southern, and Volga federal districts through at least July 5 /update 1

Forecast models indicate that high temperatures will persist over parts of western Russia through at least July 5. Temperatures of around 30-37 C (86-99 F) are expected across parts of Central, Northwest, Southern, and Volga federal districts over the coming days, with isolated higher temperatures possible.

As of July 3, the Russian Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring has issued the following high-temperature warnings across the affected area:

• Orange high-temperature warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Belgorod Oblast, Ivanovo Oblast, Kaluga Oblast, Kostroma Oblast, Kursk Oblast, Lipetsk Oblast, Moscow City, Moscow Oblast, Oryol Oblast, Ryazan Oblast, Tambov Oblast, Tula Oblast, Tver Oblast, Vladimir Oblast, Voronezh Oblast, Yaroslavl Oblast, Komi Republic, Chuvash Republic, Kirov Oblast, Mari El Republic, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, Republic of Mordovia, Udmurt Republic, Astrakhan Oblast, Krasnodar Kray, Republic of Kalmykia, and Rostov Oblast.

• Yellow high-temperature warnings: Vologda Oblast, Orenburg Oblast, Penza Oblast, Republic of Tatarstan, Samara Oblast, Saratov Oblast, Ulyanovsk Oblast, and Volgograd Oblast.

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.