A severe thunderstorm is expected to be criticized in Europe this week and will be replaced by high temperatures this week. Several regions can climb to 10C (50F) above the seasonal norm, and Italy provides all the energy for the heat. Florence in Tuscany is expected to soar to 39c on Thursday and throughout the weekend.
Germany, France and Belgium will also face hot weather starting Wednesday, at least 9c above the June average. Temperatures are expected to be higher than normal in many other parts of Europe. This is the result of a high-pressure system producing a hot dome on this area, which makes the air compressed and warm as it descends, capturing heat near the surface.
Meanwhile, South Africa is under control of a powerful storm system that triggers alarms for severe weather across the country. On weekends, Cape people in the west and north bear the brunt. As the week progresses, the storm may intensify and move eastward, bringing extreme weather to the central and eastern regions.
The temperature of these conditions dropped significantly, with daytime altitudes in some areas falling above 7C below the seasonal average. The gusts made it colder.
Heavy rain has also been hammering the Eastern Cape, with coastal areas expected to be hit by 100mm on Monday, potentially causing flooding. On Monday, strong winds spread throughout the region will grow to about 60 mph (100 km/h), exacerbating the impact of the storm. Snowfall is expected, which could lead to widespread travel disruptions and infrastructure challenges.
Strong weather is the result of a strong cutoff lower system, which occurs when the low pressure area is disengaged from the main jet stream. This allows cold air to drop from higher heights and combines with the moisture on the surface to produce a volatile mixture of rainwater, wind and snow, which shocks the wind and snow.
South African authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant in the coming days, limit travel and monitor official weather updates.
