Part of Europe preparing for another heat wave, Austrian meteorologist: 'More to come and it's going to be intense'

A persistent jet stream has locked into place over southern Greenland, creating a heat dome effect that is pushing sweltering air across Europe. This phenomenon has led to record-breaking temperatures in parts of Spain, with some areas facing potentially lethal conditions, while Austria and Germany brace for another wave of extreme heat. The situation has raised concerns among meteorologists and public health officials, who warn of prolonged periods of high temperatures and increased risks of wildfires and dehydration. The current weather pattern began forming several weeks ago, as a stationary jet stream over southern Greenland blocked the usual flow of cooler air from the north. This allowed hot, dry air from North Africa, including the Sahara Desert, to move northward into Europe. In Spain, this has resulted in a third consecutive heatwave, with temperatures reaching as high as 47°C in certain regions. The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued warnings that the heatwave could last through much of July and into early August, with temperatures approaching the country's previous record of 47.6°C set five years ago. Areas in southeastern Spain, particularly in inland regions, face the highest risk of wildfires due to the combination of extreme heat and low humidity. In Austria, meteorologist Marcus Wadsak has warned that the heat is far from over. Despite a brief respite in recent days, new forecasts indicate that a fresh wave of heat will begin around July 31 and could persist into early August. Some long-range predictions suggest that Vienna might experience temperatures as high as 43°C, which would significantly exceed Austria’s current all-time record of 40.5°C. However, meteorologists caution that these projections remain uncertain beyond a week, and actual peak temperatures in Austria are likely to fall below 42°C. Germany is also preparing for a severe heatwave, with meteorological models predicting temperatures that could reach up to 44°C. The heat is expected to affect the entire country, with the southern and western regions facing the greatest threat. According to meteorologist Dominik Jung, temperatures in southwestern Germany, including the regions of Oberrhein and Pfalz, are already climbing toward 36°C, with the more intense phase of the heatwave anticipated to begin mid-week. The cause of this extreme weather is attributed to a powerful heat dome forming over southwest Europe, with air sinking and warming over Spain and Portugal before moving northeast toward central Europe. Both the American Global Forecast System (GFS) and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) have confirmed the likelihood of this heatwave, lending credibility to the predictions. Simulations show that large portions of Germany could see temperatures above 40°C starting in late July, with some areas in the south-west experiencing temperatures between 43°C and 44°C. Such extreme conditions were once rare, occurring only every few weeks, but they are now becoming increasingly common. Meteorologists emphasize that while the immediate forecast appears clear, the uncertainty surrounding longer-term projections means that conditions could change rapidly. Public health officials are urging residents to take precautions, such as staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, and checking on vulnerable individuals. Firefighters and emergency services are also on high alert, particularly in areas prone to wildfires, given the heightened risk posed by the dry conditions. As the heat continues to build, the impact on infrastructure, agriculture, and daily life across Europe becomes more pronounced. Power grids are under strain, and water resources are being closely monitored. Authorities are working to ensure that essential services remain operational during the peak of the heatwave. With the jet stream showing no signs of shifting soon, the European summer is proving to be one of the hottest on record.