Successive hot spells kept temperatures very high through much of July. The event is important not only for peak temperature, but also for the sequence of hot days and nights.
Event timeline
- Mid-July — A strong high-pressure pattern and warm-air transport develop over southern Europe.
- 18–23 July — Heat stress reaches its most intense phase across many Mediterranean areas.
- Late July — Heat persists locally despite regional fluctuations.
What happened in the atmosphere
A persistent anticyclonic pattern limited clouds and vertical motion. Warm-air transport from North Africa and strong solar radiation maintained high temperatures.
Human heat load also depends on humidity, wind, radiation and exposure time. Air temperature alone does not fully describe the hazard.
What helps us interpret the event
- Examine minimum night-time temperature together with the daily maximum.
- Use heat-stress indices within their stated limits.
- Compare against a climate reference period, not only one previous year.
Historical analysis must not be used as guidance for a new event. During active severe weather, follow HNMS, Civil Protection, 112 and local authorities.