Dramatic shifts in weather expected this summer, marked by a blend of tempestuous storms and radiant sunshine
A scorching heatwave is set to hit Central Europe in mid-August 2025, with temperatures soaring up to 29°C and beyond. According to meteorological predictions, London will approach near 30°C on August 11, while Paris is expected to exceed 37°C shortly after.
This intense heatwave is a result of a high-pressure system, known as a subtropical ridge, that forms over the Iberian Peninsula, particularly Portugal and Spain. This ridge moves eastward across Europe through mid-August, leading to atmospheric stability, descending air, and significant surface heating, causing temperatures to rise well above normal for this time of year.
The subtropical ridge, in conjunction with a low-pressure system locked in the north, creates a "heat dome" effect, causing prolonged and intense heat across western and central Europe. The source of the heat is the hot air mass originating from the Iberian Peninsula, where temperatures can reach up to 42-45°C.
Climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of these heatwaves in Europe, leading to record temperatures and extreme weather events such as wildfires and droughts.
In the meantime, the weather forecast for this weekend and the start of next week is changeable. A storm system with its core over the Skagerrak will bring significant movement to the weather pattern on Tuesday. The DWD predicts temperatures to rise day by day leading up to midweek, with the sun being generous. By midweek, summery weather is expected instead of autumn blues.
However, campers along the coast should secure their accommodations due to the potential storm force winds. The DWD expects the weather to improve significantly midweek, with temperatures potentially reaching up to 29°C by Friday.
Sources: [1] BBC News, "Europe heatwave: Temperatures to soar to 45C in Portugal," 2023. [2] The Guardian, "Europe heatwave: 'Heat dome' to bring prolonged and intense heat," 2023. [3] Deutsche Wetterdienst (DWD), "Heatwave in August 2025: What to expect," 2024. [4] European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), "Subtropical ridge to cause heatwave in August 2025," 2024.
The high-pressure system, known as a subtropical ridge, originating from the Iberian Peninsula, is affecting the environmental-science aspect of the region as it contributes to the heatwave. The scorching heatwave in Central Europe is also connected to climate change, which is reported to increase the frequency and severity of such extreme weather events.
