VIENNA, June 25 (Xinhua) -- The current June is set to be the hottest in recorded history in Austria, with regional heat records also expected to be eclipsed in some parts of the country this week, according to a leading weather authority.
The Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) said Tuesday the current June will be 4.5 degrees Celsius warmer than average, surpassing the previous record, seen in June of 2003, that was 4.1 degrees over the average.
Temperatures in the coming days are also expected to climb over 35 degrees, highs not usually seen in June. In the country's west, such as in the states of Tyrol and Vorarlberg, the ZAMG said record June highs of about 37 degrees are anticipated in some areas.
The total number of hot days, defined by the weather authority as having temperatures of 30 degrees or more, are currently at 12 in two regions of the country, and will almost certainly match or even surpass the record 15 hot days seen in 2003.
The ZAMG said the reason behind the hot temperatures is a strong southernly current that is bringing air from Northwestern Africa to Europe, including Austria, with such heat waves made more regular and of greater intensity due to climate change.
It is anticipating that an easing of conditions should occur around the middle of next week.
