Southern and eastern Europe are set to endure a scorching heatwave this week, with temperatures soaring well above seasonal norms. Daytime temperatures across the Balkans are expected to hit the high 30s to low 40s Celsius, surpassing the average by more than 7 degrees. The heatwave, which has prompted several national weather services to issue warnings and advisories, is also exacerbating the urban heat island (UHI) effect in densely populated areas like Athens, Greece.

The UHI effect intensifies urban temperatures during a heatwave due to the retention of the sun's warmth overnight by heat-absorbing materials, reduced vegetation, and human activities. As a result, night-time temperatures are forecasted to remain uncomfortably high, often surpassing 30 degrees Celsius in Athens.

The prolonged dry and warm conditions, coupled with low humidity levels, also raise concerns about an elevated wildfire risk. Last week, Albania sought assistance from the EU to combat wildfires in the Dropull district, located approximately 250km south of Tirana. Over the weekend, numerous wildfires were reported in Greece and various regions of the Balkans and eastern Europe.

Greece, in particular, is facing its most severe wildfire risk in two decades this summer. A mild and predominantly dry winter and spring have rendered vegetation highly flammable, exacerbating the danger. Moreover, the abnormally dry conditions over the past months have led to water reservoirs reaching their lowest levels in the last decade. This situation raises concerns about potential water restrictions during the peak tourism season, particularly in certain Greek islands.

While the intense heat is expected to gradually subside towards the end of the week, thunderstorms and cooler conditions are anticipated across the Balkans, offering some respite from the scorching temperatures and wildfire risk.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and urging residents to take precautions to protect themselves from the extreme heat and potential wildfire threats. The heatwave serves as a reminder of the growing challenges posed by climate change and the need for continued efforts to mitigate its effects in the region.