Heat wave continues in Europe. Photo: Shutterstock A powerful spell of summer weather is sweeping across Europe, with meteorological agencies issuing heat and thunderstorm warnings across more than a dozen countries. From record breaking temperatures in southern Europe to violent storms in central regions, travelers are being urged to stay informed as conditions evolve throughout the week.
In Italy, the Italian Air Force National Meteorological Service has placed Lombardy and Sardinia under a Red High Temperature Warning, advising people to avoid unnecessary travel unless essential and to follow guidance from local authorities. Additional heat warnings remain in place across Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Emilia Romagna, Tuscany, Umbria, Lazio, Puglia, and Basilicata, while thunderstorms are forecast for regions including Sicily, Calabria, Campania, Molise, Marche, Abruzzo, Piedmont, and Valle d'Aosta.
Further north, Switzerland remains under an extreme heat wave warning from MeteoSwiss. Residents and visitors are advised to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest hours, seek cool indoor spaces, and never leave children or animals inside parked vehicles.
In the United Kingdom, the UK Health Security Agency has issued an Amber Heat Health Alert for London, the South East, the East of England, and the East Midlands. A Yellow Heat Health Alert is in effect for most other regions of England until the morning of August 5, with officials warning that prolonged hot weather could pose health risks, particularly for older adults and vulnerable people.
France is also experiencing dangerous temperatures. Météo France has issued severe heat warnings alongside moderate thunderstorm alerts for parts of the country, warning that high temperatures combined with storms could cause localized disruption.
Luxembourg is facing a combination of hazards. MeteoLux has issued a nationwide heat warning through Tuesday, with moderate heat stress expected, followed by thunderstorms Monday evening that could bring wind gusts of up to 80 km/h, heavy downpours of 15 to 25 millimeters in a short period, and localized hail.
Storm risks also extend into Spain, where authorities issued severe thunderstorm warnings for parts of Lleida, Tarragona, and Zaragoza, warning of hailstones larger than 2 centimeters, intense rainfall, and very strong wind gusts.
Meanwhile, large parts of Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, and Serbia continue to experience persistent heatwave conditions, with authorities urging people to limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.
The combination of extreme heat, thunderstorms, and ongoing wildfire risk means travelers should monitor local forecasts closely, follow official advice, and remain prepared for possible transport disruptions and rapidly changing weather conditions.