Heatwaves Persist in West Asia, Central Asia, North Africa, and Other Regions

Over the past week, influenced by the subtropical high, regions including southern Europe, West Asia, southern Central Asia, North Africa, Pakistan, northern and southeastern India, northern Vietnam, South Korea, southern Japan, the western United States, and northern Mexico have experienced high temperatures exceeding 38°C. In parts of West Asia, southern Central Asia, North Africa, southern South Korea, and the southwestern United States, maximum temperatures surpassed 42°C, with localized areas exceeding 45°C (Figure 1).

Over the coming week, persistent strong influence from the subtropical high (Figure 2) will continue the heatwave conditions in West Asia, Central Asia, North Africa, Pakistan, northwestern and southeastern India, Vietnam, South Korea, the western United States, northern Mexico, Spain, and southern Portugal. Most areas will see maximum temperatures of 35~38°C. Within these regions, parts of Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Oman, southern Iran, Turkmenistan, southern Afghanistan, western Pakistan, the southwestern United States, Algeria, and northern Mauritania are expected to experience maximum temperatures above 40°C, with localized areas potentially reaching over 45°C (Figure 3).

Figure 1 Observed Maximum Temperatures from July 4 to 10, 2025 (Unit: °C, Dots Indicate Maximum Temperatures ≥ 38°C)

Figure 2 Average (Contours) and Anomalies (Shaded) of 500 hPa Geopotential Height from July 11 to 17, 2025 (Unit: dagpm)

Figure 3 Forecast of Maximum Temperatures from July 11 to 17, 2025 (Unit: °C)

Author: Li Ming                                 Reviewer: Cai Xiangning 

English reviewer:Wang Yi                                                                       Issue approver:Dai Kan