Europe: High temperatures forecast to persist across the region through at least Aug. 3 /update 1

High temperatures are forecast across parts of southeastern Europe through at least Aug. 3. The affected area includes much of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Kosovo, Montenegro, Romania, and Serbia. Temperatures of up to around 40 C (104 F) are possible across the region over the coming days.

As of early Aug. 1, the respective meteorological services have issued the following warnings for high temperatures across the region:

• Orange high-temperature warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Across most of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bacs-Kiskun and Csongrad-Csanad counties in southern Hungary, across Kosovo, across Montenegro, and across Serbia.

• Yellow high-temperature warnings: Parts of western Bosnia and Herzegovina and across southern Romania.

Further orange and yellow high-temperature warnings are in place across parts of the affected region Aug. 2-3. Officials could update and possibly 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 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.

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.