Europe: High temperatures forecast to persist across much of Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Luxembourg, and Slovakia through at least Aug. 14

Forecast models indicate that extremely high temperatures will persist across much of Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Luxembourg, and Slovakia through at least Aug. 14. Temperatures in excess of 35 C (95 F) are possible across parts of the affected region over the coming days.

As of Aug. 12, the various meteorological services for the respective countries have issued the following heat-related warnings across the region:

• Orange high-temperature warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): East Flanders, Hainault, and West Flanders provinces in Belgium, central and southern South Moravian and southwestern Zlin regions in the Czech Republic, the southern half of Luxembourg, and much of south-central, south-western, and western Slovakia.

• Extreme heat warnings (the highest level on a two-tier scale): Across western and parts of south-central and southwestern Germany.

• Yellow high-temperature warnings: Across the rest of Belgium, much of the rest of the Czech Republic, the northern half of Luxembourg, and parts of central and west-central Slovakia.

• Heat warnings: Across central, eastern, northwestern, and southern Germany.

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

The extended period of oppressive heat and dry conditions may produce ideal circumstances for additional wildfire growth throughout the region. 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.