
9 days · 10 summary articles
Europe baked under extreme heat on Friday, with temperatures soaring to near-record levels across the continent before a forecasted cooldown over the weekend.
In the Netherlands, the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) warned that Friday would likely be the hottest day of August, with highs ranging from 30°C on coastal beaches to 37-38°C in the south. A code yellow heat warning and the national heat plan were in effect, with little wind to provide relief. The institute forecast a gradual cooling from Saturday, with temperatures returning to seasonal averages by next week, though drought conditions would persist .
Belgium’s Royal Meteorological Institute (IRM) reported temperatures 11-12°C above seasonal norms, with Friday expected to break the Aug. 14 record of 31.9°C in Uccle. Meteorologist Pascal Mormal noted that while 33-34°C had become almost routine, such heat remained rare for mid-August. The institute anticipated localized thunderstorms on Saturday, followed by a sharper drop in temperatures to around 23°C by early next week, though rainfall would not end the drought .
Germany’s Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD) issued heat warnings for Baden-Württemberg, with temperatures reaching 38°C in the Kurpfalz region. The service advised residents to stay hydrated, avoid direct sun, and limit physical activity. Rain and thunderstorms were possible by Sunday, offering some relief .
Spain’s AEMET meteorological agency warned of temperatures exceeding 40°C in the Guadalquivir and Ebro valleys before a cold front brought storms, hail, and strong winds. Córdoba, Lleida, and Toledo were forecast to hit 41°C, while northern regions like A Coruña would see milder conditions around 25°C. The agency maintained widespread heat alerts despite the impending temperature drop .
In Portugal, 60 municipalities faced maximum wildfire risk, with Évora expected to reach 39°C, Lisbon 32°C, and Faro 33°C .
The Netherlands also saw regional disparities in overnight heat, with vulnerable populations in Maastricht enduring up to 13 more tropical nights—where temperatures stay above 20°C—compared to cooler areas like Groningen’s Baflo .
Budapest’s mayor, Gergely Karácsony, cited climate models projecting 1-3.5 more weeks of heatwave days and 2-4 additional tropical nights annually by mid-century. He stated that the current extreme heat would become a regular feature of summers in the Hungarian capital, with surface temperatures rising 3-5°C citywide and up to 6°C in some outer districts .
The New York Times reported that while Friday brought near-record heat across Europe, temperatures were expected to retreat to seasonal averages by the end of the weekend .
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