News & Reports

Extreme heat is expanding eastward across Europe, with Poland and parts of Central/Eastern Europe expected to face very high temperatures through the weekend and into early next week. In Poland, official forecasts indicate temperatures reaching 38–39°C in western areas and around 37°C in Warsaw, while Hungary has raised its heat alert to the highest level through June 30. The heat may increase pressure on public transport, rail and road infrastructure, outdoor events, health services and power demand, while strong thunderstorms may develop locally as the heat begins to break. Advice: * Stay hydrated, use shaded or air-conditioned areas, and monitor children, older travelers and people with medical conditions. * Reconfirm rail, road, flight and event plans, as heat-related disruptions may occur with short notice. * Allow extra time for travel and avoid long queues or exposed outdoor events during the hottest parts of the day. * Monitor national weather services and local authority updates, especially for heat alerts and possible thunderstorms.

A large demonstration is expected in Quezon City on June 28, starting at 12:00 PM, with an estimated 10,000 participants. Organized by a coalition of religious, civic, and activist groups, the demonstration is expected to focus on demanding electoral reforms and protesting corruption. Increased police presence, heavy traffic, possible roadblocks, and public transportation delays are expected in the area.

A violent storm has caused significant damage in Bangkok, toppling over 40 power poles and disrupting electricity supply in several areas.

A severe storm is affecting central New Zealand, with Wellington facing major weather-related disruptions. Strong winds and heavy rain have caused around 200 flight cancellations in and out of Wellington, power outages affecting thousands of households, flooded roads and landslides in parts of the region. Weather warnings remain in place, and further delays to flights, road travel and local services may continue as conditions gradually ease. Advice: * Reconfirm flights directly with airlines before traveling to or from Wellington. * Avoid flooded roads, coastal areas, exposed routes and landslide-prone areas. * Allow extra time for airport transfers, intercity travel and local transport. * Keep phones charged and follow MetService, Wellington Airport and local authority updates.

General Friday update from the past 24 hours: Extreme heat continues to affect parts of western and central Europe, with authorities maintaining high-level heat alerts and emergency measures. France remains under widespread red/orange heat warnings, while the UK has downgraded some areas from red to amber, though heat-health alerts remain in place across England until June 28. Heat impacts are also shifting toward Italy, Germany and nearby countries, with risks of transport delays, road and rail infrastructure issues, event cancellations, school closures, high energy demand and increased pressure on health services. Advice: * Avoid prolonged outdoor activity during peak heat hours, especially in major cities and crowded tourist sites. * Stay hydrated, use shaded or air-conditioned areas, and monitor children, older travelers and people with medical conditions. * Reconfirm rail, road, flight and event plans, as heat-related disruptions may occur with short notice. * Avoid strenuous activity, long queues and exposed outdoor events during the hottest parts of the day. * Follow national weather services and local authority updates before travel.

Taiwan is facing severe flooding after Tropical Storm Mekkhala brought intense rainfall across the island, with southern Taiwan bearing the heaviest impact. Authorities reported at least 2 fatalities, hundreds of flood incidents, widespread road flooding, emergency rescues, school and office closures, and disruption to a section of the main north-south railway line in Tainan. Around 200 residents are also being evacuated in Hualien due to concern over a rapidly filling barrier lake, while further rain may continue in the coming days, though conditions are expected to gradually ease. Advice: * Reconfirm rail, road and domestic flight plans, especially in southern Taiwan and around Tainan. * Avoid travel to rural or mountainous areas in Hualien until local flood and landslide risks decrease. * Keep phones charged, use offline maps, and allow extra time for movement between cities. * Monitor Taiwan CWA updates and local authority instructions before starting any journey.

South Africa is facing rising tensions ahead of planned anti-immigration protests and a proposed “national shutdown” linked to a June 30 deadline set by activist groups for undocumented migrants to leave the country. Authorities have increased security readiness, while recent xenophobic violence and attacks on foreign nationals have already led thousands of migrants to seek shelter or leave the country. Protests, roadblocks, clashes, police activity, and transport disruptions may occur with little notice, especially near city centers, townships, transport hubs, government offices, and foreign consulates. Advice: * Avoid protests, marches, large gatherings, and areas with heavy police presence; leave the area immediately if unrest develops nearby. * Avoid unnecessary travel through city centers, townships, and known protest areas on or around June 30. * Use main roads where possible and verify GPS-recommended alternative routes before travel. * Reconfirm road transfers, airport access, and long-distance transport plans in advance.

India is facing heavy to extreme monsoon rainfall across the northeast and the eastern Himalayan region. According to the IMD, very heavy rainfall has already been recorded in Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected to continue in the coming days, including a risk of extremely heavy rainfall over the northern parts of Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim during June 27–29. Conditions may lead to localized flooding, road blockages, landslides, transport disruptions, and possible power or communication issues in mountainous areas. Advice: * Avoid trekking, mountain roads and crossing streams or bridges in areas under rainfall warnings. * Reconfirm road travel, trains and domestic flights, especially to/from Sikkim, Darjeeling, Assam and Meghalaya. * Keep battery power, water, food, medication and offline maps available in case of road closures or poor reception. * Monitor IMD and local authority updates before starting any journey.

Japan is facing widespread weather-related disruptions as two tropical storms, Mekkhala and Higos, interact with the seasonal rain front, bringing heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslide risks. Authorities have issued evacuation orders/advisories for around 1 million people, while more than 200 flights have been canceled, train services suspended, expressways closed, and localized flooding reported in parts of western Japan. Further heavy rain may affect additional areas, including central Japan and the Tokyo region, in the coming days. Advice: * Reconfirm domestic flights, trains, ferries and long-distance buses before travel. * Avoid low-lying areas, riverbanks, flooded roads and landslide-prone mountain routes; follow evacuation instructions if issued locally. * Allow extra time for travel between airports, rail stations and major cities. * Monitor JMA updates and local transport operators for real-time warnings and service changes.

Venezuela is facing a major emergency following two powerful earthquakes that struck northern parts of the country on June 24, including a M7.2 and M7.5 event. Authorities and media report severe damage in La Guaira, Caracas, and nearby states, with hundreds of fatalities, thousands injured, widespread building damage, and major pressure on hospitals and emergency services. Search-and-rescue operations are ongoing, while aftershocks, damaged roads, power/water disruptions, communication issues, and possible airport/transport delays may continue in the coming days. Advice: * Avoid non-essential travel to Caracas, La Guaira, and heavily affected coastal areas. * Stay away from damaged buildings, collapsed structures, rescue zones, and unstable slopes. * Reconfirm all flights and ground transport before movement, especially via Caracas. * Keep water, food, medication, power banks, and offline maps available for at least 72 hours. * Follow local authority instructions and update family/contacts on your location.