Ukraine to Scorch to +37°C: Ukreidrometcenter Warns of New Wave of Tropical Heat on August 21

Return of Tropical Heat

On August 21, 2026, stable heat returns to Ukraine, which, after several cool days, will again cover most of the territory. According to the Ukreidrometcenter, as reported by RBC-Ukraine, the air across most of the country will heat up to +35…+37°C, while the southeast is expected to see somewhat more moderate, yet still hot, temperatures of +30…+34°C. Meteorologists emphasize that this is strong heat of tropical origin, which will dominate throughout the day and create uncomfortable conditions for residents of most regions.

Temperature Map of the Country

The temperature distribution across the territory will be uneven. In the southeast of Ukraine, where the influence of maritime masses restrains heating, daytime indicators will be 30–34 degrees. Across the rest of the territory — in the central, eastern, and western regions — strong heat in the range of 35–37 degrees is expected. These values are considered peak for the current period and form the basis of the warning about the new heat wave, which Ukrainian media are reporting, citing the state hydro-meteorological service.

Mechanism: Anticyclone and Balkan Air

The dry and scorching weather in most regions is caused by a field of high atmospheric pressure. Along with it, scorching air of tropical origin enters Ukraine from the southwest, moving from the Balkan Peninsula. A southwesterly wind with a speed of 7–12 m/s feeds this air flow, preventing the temperature from dropping significantly during the daytime. This configuration is characterized by dry heat without heavy precipitation across most of the country.

Northern Front: Rain and Thunderstorms

The only exception to the general hot picture will be the northern part of the country. During the day, an atmospheric front coming from the north will locally bring short-term rain and thunderstorms. Thus, precipitation on August 21 is expected to be localized and only in the north, while the rest of the territory will remain dry. Residents of northern regions should account for the possibility of local thunderstorm phenomena against the general hot background.

Contradictory Data

There is a discrepancy in the time horizon of the heat in publications by Ukrainian media. According to Ukreidrometcenter (via RBC-Ukraine), the peak of the heat falls specifically on August 21, after which, from the middle of the week, meteorologists predict a sharp cooling and a drop in temperature. At the same time, telegraph.ua emphasizes that the heat will persist over the weekend, although there will be rain with thunderstorms in several regions. In other words, one version paints a picture of 'heat today, cooling from Wednesday,' while the other suggests 'heat over the weekend with local rains.' The difference is likely explained by the fact that sources are operating with different forecast time windows, but for the reader, this creates a discrepancy in the weather dynamics for the coming days.

Outlook: Cooling from Wednesday

Earlier, meteorologists reported that after several cool days, heat is returning to Ukraine, and at the beginning of the week, the temperature reached +33°C in some places. However, already from the middle of the week, according to the Ukreidrometcenter forecast, a sharp cooling and a drop in air temperature are expected. Thus, August 21, with indicators up to +37°C, could become one of the hottest days of the current period, after which the weather pattern will begin to shift towards coolness. Experts recommend observing safety measures during days of peak heat: avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, drink enough water, and consider the risk of thunderstorms in the northern part of the country.