Unusual weather: Unlike usual, low-pressure systems are currently causing rather changeable weather in southern Europe, with showers and thunderstorms. Spain, southern Italy and Turkey are particularly affected.

In contrast, in Central Europe a strong high-pressure system has been in control for several days now.

The prolonged spell of fine weather in Central Europe is becoming an increasing problem. The lack of rain is causing the ground to dry out, increasing the risk of forest fires and causing river levels to fall.

In some countries, such as Germany and Austria, several areas of woodland have already been affected by fires.

In southern European countries, the current rain is a blessing, as summers there are almost always very dry.

The general weather pattern is set to remain unchanged over the coming days. There will be no rain in many parts of Central Europe. The situation looks much better in Southern Europe:

It is only towards the weekend that the risk of showers and thunderstorms will increase in France, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. However, even then, there won’t be much rain.