Unrelenting Heat Wave Bakes Warsaw; Brief Relief in Store for Berlin

By Kristina Pydynowski, Senior Meteorologist

August 7,2015; 11:00PM,EDT

 

 

An unrelenting heat wave will continue to have a firm grip on eastern Europe well into next week, while some relief will come to Germany later in the weekend but for only a brief time.
While the jet stream and resultant storm track remains draped over the United Kingdom and western Europe, a ridge of high pressure will stay firmly entrenched over Poland, Ukraine and surrounding areas through at least the middle of next week.
Temperatures will soar daily into the lower and middle 30s C (near 90 to middle 90s F) in Warsaw, Minsk, Kiev and Vienna. Highs around 23 C (75 F) are more common this time of year.
Little relief will come at night with temperatures remaining above normal.

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Warsaw will once again flirt with its all-time August record high this weekend and potentially again next week after temperatures drop to a high in the lower 30s C (lower 90s F) on Monday. The current record is 36.4 C (97.5 F) from August 1994, according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Eric Leister.
The cumulative effect of the persistent heat will prove extra dangerous for residents and animals who do not find ways to keep cool. Residents are reminded to drink plenty of water, wear light clothing and never leave kids or pets unattended in a sealed car.

Strenuous activities should be avoided during the midday and afternoon hours, the hottest times of the day. If that is not possible, be sure to take frequent breaks.
Along the western edge of the heat dome, Berlin will finally welcome some relief later this weekend as a cold front swings through, accompanied by thunderstorms. High temperatures will be returned to the upper 20s C (lower 80s F).
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While still above the normal high of 23 C (73 F), residents will find Sunday's temperatures much more comfortable than the highs in the 30s C (90s F) that have been plaguing the city recently and will once again do so on Saturday.

The peak of the heat came on Friday when temperatures fell just shy of Berlin's all-time record high of 38.1 C (100.6 F) from July 11, 1959.
As quick as temperatures take a tumble by Sunday in Berlin, the ridge will expand its grip back to the west and return sizzling temperatures for next week. Highs are not expected to be as extreme as late this week but will still flirt around the 32 C (90 F) mark.