Overview
- National weather services say a persistent 'heat dome' is driving extreme daytime highs and warm nights across Western Europe, with local peaks forecast near 40–41°C this week.
- Forecasts point to the most intense conditions from Thursday into Friday with the DWD and other agencies warning that broad cooling is unlikely before early next week.
- France has issued wide red warnings, deployed exceptional local measures and reported multiple heat- and drowning-related deaths while cities such as Paris have relaxed rules to allow limited bathing for relief.
- The heat is raising fire risk and straining services and ecosystems as the DWD wildfire index moves to high or very-high levels in parts of Germany and rail, water and power systems face disruption.
- Sustained hot days and 'tropical' nights that barely fall below mid-20s°C reduce overnight recovery and heighten danger for older people, children and outdoor workers while increasing the chance of severe, localized storms at the dome's edges.