Europe: High temperatures forecast to persist across southeastern regions through at least Aug. 13

High temperatures are forecast to persist across parts of southeastern Europe through at least Aug. 13. The affected area includes much of Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia. Maximum temperatures of over 35 C (95 F) are possible across parts of the region over the coming days, with the peak of the heatwave likely Aug. 11-13.

As of Aug. 9, 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): Across parts of eastern and northern Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dubrovnik, Knin, Rijeka, and Split regions in Croatia, and central and Adriatic coast regions of Montenegro.
• Yellow high-temperature warnings: Across the rest of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bacs-Kiskun and Csongrad-Casnad counties in Hungary, across Kosovo, northern continental and mountain regions in Montenegro, across Serbia, and southwestern regions in Slovenia.

Red high-temperature warnings are in place for parts of Croatia Aug, 10 and further orange and yellow warnings are in place across the region over the coming days, with orange warnings becoming more widespread from Aug. 11. Officials could 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.