The prolonged heatwave affecting much of Central and Southern Europe has become not only a climate challenge but also a major logistical concern. According to European weather services, temperatures across Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Italy, France, Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, and the Balkans are expected to remain 10–15°C above seasonal averages in the coming days. In several regions, thermometers have already surpassed 40°C, with Germany and the Czech Republic recording new temperature records.
Germany: Roads Crack, Railways Slow Down
Germany is currently facing some of the most severe transport disruptions. Extreme temperatures have caused concrete pavement failures on several motorways. On the A2 motorway between Magdeburg and Berlin, sections of the road buckled due to thermal expansion of concrete slabs. Similar damage has also been reported on other federal highways. According to ADAC, heat-related pavement defects have been identified on at least eleven motorways across the country.
At the same time, Deutsche Bahn has introduced temporary speed restrictions on parts of its rail network, while several regional operators have cancelled services because of overheating infrastructure and overhead power lines. The railway operator is advising passengers to travel during cooler hours whenever possible.
France Intensifies Infrastructure Monitoring
France has issued its highest weather alerts in several regions. Besides the extreme heat, transport infrastructure is also facing additional pressure from thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.
Road authorities are carrying out around-the-clock inspections of motorway surfaces, while railway operators have strengthened monitoring of tracks and overhead electrical systems. Authorities are encouraging logistics companies to shift freight operations to nighttime hours wherever possible in order to reduce stress on both infrastructure and drivers.
Italy, Spain, and the Balkans Face Wildfire Risks
In Italy and Spain, temperatures are approaching 40°C, significantly increasing the risk of wildfires. Temporary traffic restrictions have already been introduced in some areas, while energy infrastructure is operating under exceptionally high demand.
Across the Balkans, including Croatia, Serbia, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, civil protection agencies remain on high alert. Several major wildfires are currently being fought, with authorities warning that additional road closures may become necessary if conditions deteriorate.
Growing Challenges for Freight Transport
The heatwave is affecting virtually every mode of freight transport. Damaged road surfaces are forcing motorway closures and lengthy detours, increasing delivery times. Rail operators are reducing train speeds to prevent rail deformation and protect overhead power infrastructure. High temperatures also increase fuel consumption, place additional strain on truck cooling systems, and raise the likelihood of tyre failures and engine overheating.
Temperature-sensitive cargoes, including food products, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and electronics, remain particularly vulnerable as maintaining strict temperature conditions becomes increasingly difficult during prolonged heat.
How Logistics Companies Are Responding
Many of Europe’s largest logistics providers began implementing contingency measures before temperatures reached their peak. International freight operations are increasingly being shifted to overnight schedules, while fleets undergo more frequent technical inspections. Companies are also increasing inventories of cooling fluids and essential spare parts, revising routes to bypass vulnerable road sections, and building additional transit time into delivery schedules.
Shippers are proactively informing customers about possible delays caused by extreme weather conditions, helping reduce disruptions across supply chains.
Authorities Better Prepared, But Infrastructure Still Vulnerable
Following several consecutive years of record-breaking summers, European governments have significantly improved their preparedness for extreme heat. Most countries now operate continuous pavement temperature monitoring systems, conduct regular motorway inspections, maintain rapid-response road maintenance teams, and closely monitor railway infrastructure throughout heatwaves.
Many governments have also recommended that employers adjust drivers’ working schedules and introduce additional measures to protect employees from heat stress.
Nevertheless, the current heatwave has once again exposed the vulnerability of large sections of Europe’s transport infrastructure, particularly older concrete motorways that remain susceptible to thermal expansion and surface failures.
Forecast
According to European meteorological agencies, the most severe conditions are expected to continue until early July. Although western parts of Europe may experience temporary cooling, another surge of hot air is forecast to spread across Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Italy, the Balkans, and much of Central Europe.
Experts warn that if temperatures continue to exceed 38–40°C, additional motorway failures, further railway speed restrictions, and longer freight delivery times along major international transport corridors are likely.
For the European logistics industry, extreme heat is no longer viewed as an isolated weather event. Instead, it is becoming a recurring operational risk that requires long-term adaptation of transport infrastructure, route planning, fleet management, and supply chain strategies.
We previously reported that extreme heat damaged the road surface on Germany’s A2 motorway, bringing traffic toward Poland to a complete standstill.
Read also: Europe Introduces Summer Truck Driving Restrictions for 2026
