Unforeseen persistence of heat: "Instead of vanishing, the elevated temperatures are merely on a momentary pause"
In the summer of 2025, Europe is experiencing an unusual heatwave, with Austria being no exception. According to meteorologist Marcus Wadsak, the current weather in Austria is unstable due to being in a low-pressure trough.
Central Europe, including Austria, is experiencing multiple heatwaves, with daytime temperatures ranging mostly from 28–32 °C. Some peaks exceed 40 °C during mid-July, particularly in southern and eastern Europe. Southern Italy, Greece, and the Balkan plains are reaching 35–38 °C or more, while eastern areas like Romania and western Russia are seeing 32–35 °C.
However, July was recorded as unusually wet and cooler than average in Austria, marking a departure from broader regional heat trends. August, on the other hand, returns to dominantly sunny, hot, and dry conditions with daytime highs near 28–32 °C, possible heatwaves mid-month, and below-normal rainfall (~30–50 mm). Some wildfire risk remains in dry areas.
Meteorologist Marcus Wadsak has stated that he hasn't detected any contradiction to climate change, despite rain and cooler temperatures in Austria. He also emphasized that weather should not be confused with climate, a point echoed by Jörg Kachelmann, who remains unimpressed by the weather.
Jörg Kachelmann, a former ARD presenter, described the summer as a "modern climate change summer." He also referred to the summer of 2025 as a "German average" with great variation between south and north. Regarding Austria's summer 2025, Jörg Kachelmann said it will be too warm, with temperatures reaching 28–32 °C.
Persistent high-pressure systems are driving prolonged solar heating, limiting cloud cover, and inducing heatwaves across much of continental Europe. Nighttime temperatures are also abnormally high, diminishing relief from daytime heat in many affected regions, including Austria.
Regional variations exist, with northern and northwestern Europe (UK, Ireland, Benelux) having temperatures closer to or below normal with more rain, while northern Europe (Scandinavia, Baltic states) continues a trend of warmer-than-average summers.
This summer follows recent summers with record heat in Europe (notably 2003, 2019, 2022) and contributes to increased heat-related health issues and wildfire events, confirming trends linked to climate change. Studies estimate substantially increased heat-related deaths during recent heatwaves in major European cities.
Marcus Wadsak has mentioned that in his youth, temperatures like the current ones in Austria were completely normal. However, he also stated that unfortunately, it will get warmer in the long run.
In summary, expert predictions and observations indicate summer 2025 in Austria and Europe involves intense heatwaves with overall warmer and drier than average conditions outside of some local exceptions like July in Austria. The pattern aligns with climate-change-driven trends toward more frequent and severe summer heat events across the continent.
What makes this summer unique in Austria's weather pattern is the occurrence of intense heatwaves despite the unusual rain and cooler temperatures in July. Jörg Kachelmann, a former ARD presenter, refers to the summer of 2025 as a "modern climate change summer," highlighting that it will still be too warm, with temperatures reaching 28–32 °C. Furthermore, Marcus Wadsak, a meteorologist, asserts that while there might be local exceptions, the overall trend pointing towards warmer and drier summers aligns with environmental-science predictions associated with climate change.
