Europe to See Sharp Temperature Rise This Week

A large area of high pressure is forecast to build across western Europe later this week, drawing warmer air northward from north Africa. By Friday, temperatures in France and England are expected to rise about 15C above levels recorded a week earlier. Readings in Spain and Portugal may reach the mid- to high-30s Celsius.

A blocking high over the North Atlantic and low pressure over southern Scandinavia directed Arctic air southward last week. Temperatures across much of Europe fell 10-15C below seasonal averages and remained low for more than a week. Overnight frosts occurred in several countries, including France, where grape growers used fires to protect vineyards.

The same cool, unstable air combined with strong sunshine to produce widespread thunderstorms. Between 11 and 16 May, approximately 750,000 lightning strikes were recorded across Europe and surrounding areas. Serbia issued red warnings for strong winds, heavy rain, and hail.

In the north-western United States, temperatures near 30C last week are giving way to colder air moving south from Canada. Significant snowfall is forecast for higher terrain in Wyoming, northern Colorado, and north-east Utah, with up to 46cm possible.

Winds up to 60mph are expected to create blizzard conditions in some locations. Red-flag warnings for wildfire risk have been issued in several south-western states due to low humidity and gusty winds. The Storm Prediction Center has warned of a 15% tornado probability for Monday across four central states.