Europe experiences unusual late-season heatwave during autumn transition

Despite the official start of autumn, much of Europe is experiencing an unusual late-season heatwave. In Germany, meteorologists report a significant temperature surge driven by a combination of high-pressure systems, including High Zander and the Azores High. Temperatures in parts of Germany, particularly in the southwest and along the Rhine, are expected to reach or exceed 30 degrees Celsius toward the end of September.

In Portugal, the heat has been even more pronounced, with temperatures in Lisbon reaching 36 degrees Celsius and some inland regions hitting 40 degrees. This has caught many tourists unprepared, as they had packed for milder autumnal weather.

While northern Germany and coastal areas like the North and Baltic Seas will remain cooler, the overall trend suggests a warmer-than-average autumn. Meteorologists note that this phenomenon, often referred to as 'Altweibersommer' or Indian summer, is being driven by specific atmospheric currents rather than just solar intensity.