Europe faces severe thunderstorms, heat waves and drought as warnings issued across multiple countries

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8 days · 8 summary articles
Millions across Europe and the United States are facing extreme weather conditions, including severe thunderstorms, heat waves, and droughts, as reported by various sources on July 17 and 18, 2026.
In Poland, the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) has issued first-level warnings for thunderstorms in several provinces, including Kuyavian-Pomeranian, Warmian-Masurian, and Podlaskie. These storms are expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and hail. The warnings are in effect from Saturday morning until the evening, with the earliest alerts ending around 5-7 PM in the western regions and later in the east.
Meanwhile, Germany is also experiencing severe weather. The German Weather Service (DWD) has warned of heavy thunderstorms with strong winds, hail, and up to 60 liters of rain per square meter within an hour. The storms are expected to be localized but intense, particularly in the afternoon and evening. Temperatures are expected to range from 22°C to 28°C, with cooler conditions expected by Sunday.
In Sweden, the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has issued an orange warning for heavy and persistent rain showers. The rain is expected to cause localized flooding and disruptions.
Southern Europe is grappling with extreme heat. In Cyprus, temperatures in Nicosia are expected to reach around 40°C on Saturday, prompting a yellow warning for extreme heat between 1 PM and 4 PM. Similar conditions are reported in Spain, where temperatures are expected to reach up to 40°C in some regions, with warnings of high fire risk due to the dry conditions.
In France, seven departments in the southeast remain on orange alert for heat waves, with temperatures expected to reach 40°C in some areas. The heat wave is also affecting other parts of Europe, including Belgium, where temperatures are expected to be more breathable over the weekend but still remain high.
The extreme weather is not limited to Europe. In the United States, millions are facing hazardous conditions, including wildfires, smoke, and floods. Authorities are urging residents to remain indoors due to the hazardous air quality and extreme heat.
The extreme weather conditions are causing various issues, including health problems and infrastructure challenges. In Gostivar, North Macedonia, over 1,200 citizens reported health issues after waste water was allegedly pumped into the city's water supply to increase water pressure.
The ongoing heat waves and droughts are also causing environmental concerns. In Austria, 90% of groundwater levels are at low or very low levels, according to the Environment Ministry. The situation is described as tense, although it is not affecting the general water supply.
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