Europe braces for extreme heatwave with temperatures to hit 45°C

Europe is set to swelter under an intense heatwave beginning this weekend, as a massive heat dome forms and traps scorching air over the continent. Originating from northwest Africa, the heat dome will gradually spread across southwestern, western, and then northern and eastern Europe, dominating much of the continent through the end of June.

Forecasters warn that ground conditions across Europe are exceptionally dry following a record-hot May, limiting the cooling effect of evaporation. Temperatures in Portugal and Spain could soar to an alarming 45°C. France and central Europe will also experience extreme heat as the dome intensifies and expands northward and eastward.

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The heat dome acts like a lid on a pot. It traps warm air at all levels below it, causing the layers to sink towards the ground.

The phenomenon, described as acting "like a lid on a pot," traps warm air at all levels, causing temperatures to rise significantly. Meteorologists anticipate temperatures to be 14 to 18°C above the seasonal average, with localized areas potentially exceeding this. Early next week, Portugal and Spain could see highs near 45°C, while parts of France might reach 44°C on Monday.

In Croatia, the Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ) forecasts rising temperatures, with yellow warnings issued for the weekend. Expected highs for the next seven days include Zagreb at 33.2°C, Rijeka at 34.1°C, and Split at 33.6°C. Nights are expected to be warm, especially along the Adriatic coast, with minimum temperatures often staying above 20°C.

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Temperatures will be 14 to 18°C above average for late June, and locally higher.