Early August to bring dangerous heat wave to western Europe

Dangerous heat is expected to expand across western Europe into this weekend.

While the core of the heat was focused over the Iberian Peninsula on Wednesday, temperatures were on the rise across much of western Europe on Thursday and will climb even higher on Friday.

Highs on Friday are anticipated to range from 31 C (89 F) in London to 33 C (92 F) in Berlin and Paris.

Temperatures are forecast to peak at 41 C (105 F) in Madrid and approach 43 C (110 F) in Seville, Spain.

Temperatures will continue to soar 6-12 degrees Celsius (10-24 degrees Fahrenheit) above normal in most of these cities through at least the weekend.

"It is not out of the question for temperatures to reach 49 C (120 F) in southwestern Spain and parts of southern Portugal Friday into Sunday," AccuWeather Meteorologist Tyler Roys said.

The impending heat wave is expected to be the most intense and longest for the Iberian Peninsula so far this summer. Temperatures in Madrid had only reached 38 C (100 F) once this summer prior to this heat wave. Such temperatures are anticipated daily from through next Tuesday.

"In southwestern France, temperatures can climb to 43 C (110 F) in a few communities this weekend," according to Roys.

Be sure to drink plenty of water, wear light clothing and avoid strenuous activity during the midday and afternoon hours (the hottest times of the day) to prevent heat exhaustion or stroke.

Residents should ensure that the elderly, children and homeless are taking the necessary precautions to keep cool. Make sure that animals have proper access to water and shade.

Remember to never leave children or pets in a sealed vehicle without air conditioning. Sunshine can cause such vehicles to become death traps in a matter of minutes.

Deteriorating air quality can further put a strain on residents. That is especially true in the vicinity of any wildfires, according to Roys.

Residents should use caution with cigarette butts, campfires and other equipment that produces sparks as dried-out grass can provide plenty of fuel for wildfires.

Tinder dry vegetation, low relative humidity and local breezes can put the interior of the Iberian Peninsula at a higher fire danger than other parts of western Europe.

The heat is expected to hang on into early next week. While the peak of the heat may be over by midweek, it can still be warmer than normal in most areas.

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