
29 days · 2 summary articles
Europe braces for record heatwave and violent storms from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean
Europe braces for extreme heat and violent storms as scorching temperatures and severe thunderstorms sweep across the continent.
A new heatwave is sweeping across Europe, with record-breaking temperatures and severe thunderstorms disrupting daily life from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean. In southern Norway, meteorologists at the Meteorologisk institutt warn that temperatures could reach 31°C on Sunday, potentially breaking the year’s heat record. Siri Wiberg, a duty meteorologist, told NTB that "some stations may experience a heatwave again," with the mercury climbing toward 30°C in Østlandet, Sørlandet, and inland areas of Vestlandet. Kongsberg, which already recorded this year’s high of 30.9°C on 28 June, is forecast to hit 31°C on Saturday, according to Aftenposten.
Meanwhile, violent thunderstorms have battered eastern Sweden, unleashing over 10,000 lightning strikes and causing significant damage. Emma Rosengren, a meteorologist at SMHI, described the storms as "perfect" for hail formation, with powerful cumulonimbus clouds producing intense downpours and lightning. In Stockholm, a barn in Haninge caught fire due to a lightning strike, while a major water leak disrupted Skogås centrum. Anders Wettergren, a duty meteorologist at SMHI, confirmed that the severe weather is expected to weaken by evening, with scattered showers continuing into Monday Expressen.
In Belgium, the Royal Meteorological Institute (IRM) has forecast temperatures nearing 30°C on Monday, with a new heatwave likely later in the week. The IRM stated it is "probably" preparing to record a new heatwave, as highs could climb further in the coming days La Libre.
Southern Europe is also grappling with extreme heat. Spain’s state weather agency has issued orange alerts as temperatures soar to 42–44°C, with the heatwave expected to persist until Tuesday Euronews. In Italy, a new anticyclone is bringing temperatures up to 34°C and rising humidity from midweek, with stable weather conditions expected across the Mediterranean Il Fatto Quotidiano.
In France, 16 departments are under orange heatwave warnings, with temperatures expected to reach 36–39°C in the southwest and 33–36°C in the south, extending toward the Loire Valley and Île-de-France by Tuesday Le Monde.
The extreme weather is taking a toll on both infrastructure and public health. In Helsinki, emergency services responded to over 10 flood-related incidents, including evacuations at a restaurant on Bulevardi due to water damage. Firefighters used pumps to remove water from the premises, which may remain closed for a week Helsingin Sanomat.
As Europe braces for more heat and storms, authorities are urging caution, particularly for vulnerable populations. The World Health Organization has warned residents to stay alert and assist those most at risk during the cold snaps and heatwaves gripping the continent TNP.
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