Europe: Heatwave forecast across parts of eastern Europe through at least Sept. 1 /update 1

High temperatures are forecast to persist across much of Croatia, Hungary, Poland, Serbia, and Slovakia through at least Sept. 1. Over the coming days, maximum temperatures in excess of 35 C (95 F) are possible across parts of the region.

As of early Aug. 29, Croatia's State Hydrometeorological Institute (DHMZ) has issued orange high-temperature warnings for Dubrovnik and Rijeka regions Aug. 29-30, and yellow high-temperature and strong wind warnings for the rest of western coastal Croatia Aug. 29-30. Maximum temperatures of more than 33 C (91 F) and minimum temperatures of more than 25 C (77 F) are forecast. The high temperatures could spark an increase in wildfire activity across the region and pose a health threat to the general public.

The Hungarian Meteorological Service has issued orange heat warnings for Bacs-Kiskun and Csongrad-Csanad counties where temperatures of more than 27 C (81 F) are likely through at least Sept. 1. Yellow heat warnings are issued for most of the rest of Hungary through Sept. 1; temperatures of more than 25 C (77 F) are likely.

The Polish Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) has issued orange and yellow heat warnings across the country through Aug. 30 and southern regions on Aug. 31.

The Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia has issued orange high-temperature warnings for temperatures of more than 35 C (95 F) across northern regions of Serbia on Aug. 31. Yellow high-temperature warnings are in place for central and northern regions Aug. 29-30.

The Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute has issued orange high-temperature warnings for temperatures of more than 35 C (95 F) across south-central and southwestern regions and yellow high-temperature warnings across western, central, and eastern regions of Slovakia through Aug. 31.

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.