Europe to face intense summer heat over next week

Europe to face intense summer heat over next week
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Europe is set to experience a sharp shift from recent severe thunderstorms to intense summer heat this week, with temperatures soaring well above seasonal averages, The Guardian reported. A high-pressure system is creating a heat dome over much of the continent, causing air to compress and warm as it descends, trapping heat near the surface. Florence, Italy, is forecast to reach a scorching 39°C on Thursday and over the weekend. Similarly, Germany, France, and Belgium will see widespread temperatures at least 9°C above the June average, while many other European regions can expect highs 5-7°C above normal.

Meanwhile, South Africa faces a contrasting weather pattern as a powerful storm system moves across the country. Over the weekend, Western Cape and Northern Cape experienced severe weather, and the storm is expected to intensify and shift eastward, impacting central and eastern regions. Temperatures are dropping sharply, with some areas seeing daytime highs more than 7°C below seasonal averages, accompanied by gusty winds that increase the chill factor.

Heavy rainfall in Eastern Cape threatens floods, with coastal areas expecting over 100mm on Monday. Winds are forecast to strengthen to about 60 mph (100 km/h), worsening the storm’s impact. Snowfall is also anticipated, likely causing travel disruptions and infrastructure challenges. This extreme weather is driven by a cut-off low system, where a detached low-pressure area allows cold, dry air to mix with surface moisture. Authorities urge residents to stay alert, limit travel, and monitor weather updates.