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When's Winter? Extreme Heat Could Result In Wildfires, Thunderstorms And Even Tornadoes

When's Winter? Extreme Heat Could Result In Wildfires, Thunderstorms And Even Tornadoes

Weather experts have issued warnings to British tourists holidaying on the continent about extreme weather from an unprecedented heatwave

Mischa Pearlmen

Mischa Pearlmen

Senior meteorologists have issued warnings to British holidaymakers over the scorching weather coming to the continent and said the heatwave could be worse than 'Lucifer' last year.

Britain has already been seared this week by 30+ degree heat, which has been blamed for a huge wildfire on Saddleworth Moor in the north west of England that is visible from space and has required military assistance to tackle.

Around 100 soldiers and an RAF chinook helicopter were dispatched to the moors to help firefighters with the blaze that could burn on for weeks, according to Greater Manchester fire service.

And now, senior meteorologists at AccuWeather have warned that same fate could befall countries like France and Italy, where temperatures could soar to around 38C.

There are fears the heat could lead to extended drought periods, with dried out vegetation causing an elevated risk of wildfires.

Senior meteorologist Alan Reppert said: "There is concern for a long-duration heatwave late in the summer which could produce dangerous conditions for the young and elderly.

PA

"Brief bouts of cooler air are expected following each wave of violent storms; however, no lasting cool spells are forecast this summer."

He said southern France, northern Italy and southern Germany were at particularly high risk of experiencing destructive wildfires.

The conditions could be even worse than last year's European heatwave - nicknamed 'Lucifer' - which resulted in the deaths of 31 people as flames tore across Portugal and Spain.

Temperatures in the Balearic Islands of Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza normally average around 24C between June and August, but this year's temperatures will be significantly higher, seeing the mercuries soar as high as 38C.

Last year's Majorca temperatures reached a sweltering 40.3C, but forecasters now expect that figure to be surpassed this summer.

AccuWeather meteorologist Tyler Roys said those scorchio temperatures will not just be restricted to the continent, resulting in one of Britain's warmest summers in the past decade.

He said: "Going back to 2010, this summer will rank as one of the top three warmest across the United Kingdom as a whole."

Soaring temperatures and dangerous wildfires are not the only potential symptoms of this summer's extreme weather.

Flash-flooding could be a threat across Italy and the Balkans as powerful thunderstorms thrash the region.

Eastern Europe will struggle with the most violent thunderstorms which could result in severe wind, hail, flooding and even tornadoes.

Poland, the Czech Republic, Lithuania and Belarus are at particular risk, but western Germany and Austria could also suffer.

Featured Image Credit: The Simpsons / FOX

Topics: Weather, World News, heatwave