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Vienna — Austria is heading into the most extreme phase of its ongoing heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach or even exceed 40°C on Sunday, particularly in the eastern regions, according to Geosphere Austria. The country has been under escalating heat alerts since Tuesday, and the coming days are set to push conditions to their limits.
Heatwave Intensifies Across Austria
Meteorologists warn that from Thursday onward, temperatures above 35°C will be widespread across the entire country, marking a continuation of a heatwave gripping much of Western Europe.
Yellow and orange warnings remain in place, triggered when temperatures surpass 35°C or when several consecutive hot days combine with unusually warm nights.
The extreme heat is part of a broader European pattern affecting Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom — the second major heatwave to hit the region in less than a month.
France Records Hottest Night in History
France remains one of the hardest-hit countries.
More than half the nation was under red alert, the highest heat warning level, on Tuesday. Authorities reported that 90% of the population was exposed to potentially dangerous temperatures.
The country also logged its hottest night since records began, with an average low of 21.6°C.
On Monday, the national average afternoon temperature reached 37.8°C, another historic high.
The heat has forced the Golfech nuclear power plant in southern France to reduce operations due to rising river temperatures.
Spain Issues Red Alerts as Nights Stay Above 30°C
Spain’s weather agency Aemet issued red alerts for Córdoba, Bilbao, and parts of Cantabria.
On Monday, 101 of 828 weather stations recorded temperatures of at least 40°C.
In Almería, coastal areas endured a third consecutive night above 30°C, a rare and dangerous phenomenon known as a “tropical night.”
Italy Faces Power Outages and Hospital Strain
Italy is also struggling under the relentless heat.
The Health Ministry placed 15 major cities, including Rome and Milan, under the highest heat warning level — a number expected to rise to 17 cities by Thursday.
Authorities urge residents to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activity during peak hours, and check on vulnerable individuals.
Heavy air‑conditioning use has already caused power outages in Milan and Turin, while a doctors’ association reported malfunctioning cooling systems in several public hospitals in Rome.
What Comes Next for Austria?
All eyes now turn to the weekend, when Austria may experience its hottest day of the year.
Whether the heatwave will ease after Sunday remains uncertain, meteorologists say.
- source: vienna.at/picture: canva.com
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