Extreme Heat Shifts Eastward Across Europe
The extreme heat that has affected central and western Europe, including the UK, is moving eastwards. While western Europe sees slightly cooler conditions with risks of downpours and thunderstorms, eastern Europe is expected to experience temperatures several degrees above the early July average into next week. Peak highs of between 35C and 40C are forecast across southern Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and into the northern Balkans, according to MetDesk's Brendan Jones.
Typhoon Mekkhala Intensifies in the Pacific
Typhoon Mekkhala, the seventh typhoon of the season in the western Pacific, strengthened east of Luzon on Sunday with sustained winds of 75mph (120km/h) and gusts exceeding 100mph over open water. It is set to head northwards through the Philippine Sea this week. Forecast projections suggest Mekkhala will reach peak intensity during Tuesday and Wednesday, with sustained wind speeds breaking 100mph. While the typhoon is expected to remain over the Philippine Sea, it may produce large wave conditions near Taiwan, prompting warnings to shipping.
Potential Impacts on Japan
As the weakening typhoon approaches southern Japan later this week, likely downgrading to a tropical storm or extra-tropical depression, it may bring strong winds and high seas around the coasts of southern Japan. Heavy rainfall is already expected ahead of the typhoon remnants, and if this rainfall interacts with ex-Mekkhala, it could intensify further, raising the threat of flooding.
Severe Thunderstorms in the United States
Across the US over the past week, severe and widespread thunderstorms have affected central and eastern parts of the country, disrupting some World Cup fixtures. The focus for severe weather is likely to shift back west to the Great Plains through the coming week, initially with a risk of thunderstorms from Colorado to Texas. However, by Thursday, the threat of storms is expected to broaden again, heading further eastwards later in the week. These thunderstorms may bring significant flooding, large hail, and the risk of tornadoes.
