Europe: High temperatures forecast to persist across much of the Czech Republic, Germany, and Slovakia through at least Aug. 16 /update 1

Forecast models indicate that extremely high temperatures will persist across much of the Czech Republic, Germany, and Slovakia through at least Aug. 16. Temperatures up to 38 C (100 F) are possible across parts of the affected region over the coming days.

As of Aug. 14, the various meteorological services for the respective countries have issued the following heat-related warnings across the region:

• Red high-temperature warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Across Bratislava and parts of central and southern Nitra and southern Trnava regions in Slovakia.

• Orange high-temperature warnings: Across Prague, much of South Moravian, and parts of central, eastern, and northern Central Bohemian, southern Olomouc, southeastern Usti nad Labem, and western Zlin regions in the Czech Republic and across the rest of southern, western, and west-central Slovakia.

• Yellow high-temperature warnings: Across much of the rest of the Czech Republic and parts of eastern and north-central Slovakia.

• Heat warnings (the lowest level on a two-tier scale): Across much of central, eastern, 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.