A severe heatwave is affecting large parts of Europe and the Middle East, with temperatures soaring well above seasonal norms. Swedish meteorological officials have issued a yellow warning for high temperatures across several counties, where maximum temperatures are expected to reach or exceed 30°C for three consecutive days from Wednesday to Friday. In Germany, the national weather service forecasts up to 35°C in the southwest, accompanied by a risk of severe thunderstorms, hail, and heavy rain in central and southern regions. Iranian authorities have issued yellow alerts for 17 provinces, with Tehran expected to hit 41°C, while Israeli forecasters report rising heat stress, with temperatures in Eilat reaching 40°C.

The heat has already been linked to at least one fatality. In Bavaria, a 31-year-old French national drowned in the Kochelsee on Tuesday, according to local police. The man, who could not swim, got into difficulty after the water depth changed suddenly. Rescue attempts by bystanders and emergency services were unsuccessful. Separately, wildfires have broken out in Sweden, with two forest fires reported in Boxholm municipality, prompting the local rescue service to warn that more incidents are likely given the dry and hot conditions. A large forest fire was also reported near Paris, according to German media.

The current heatwave follows a deadly heat event in late June, when Germany recorded approximately 7,100 excess deaths during a week of record-breaking temperatures that reached 41°C in some areas, according to the Federal Statistical Office. It remains unclear whether the current episode will lead to a similar spike in mortality. Health authorities across the affected regions have urged vulnerable populations—the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing conditions—to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activity during peak hours, and seek cool environments.

Meteorological agencies attribute the extreme heat to a persistent high-pressure system drawing warm air from the southwest. The heat is expected to persist until the weekend, when a shift to cooler, more unsettled weather is forecast. In Germany, the risk of severe thunderstorms, including supercells with large hail and damaging winds, will continue until Friday, particularly south of the Danube. Iranian authorities have also warned of dust storms and high winds in eastern provinces. As of Tuesday evening, the yellow heat warnings remain in effect, and emergency services are on high alert for further wildfires and heat-related incidents. The full health impact will not be known until after the heatwave subsides.