Europes worst heatwave in years sparks red alerts across Central and Eastern Europe

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11 months · 55 summary articles
Europe’s most severe heatwave in years reached its peak on Sunday, with temperatures soaring to 41°C in parts of Central and Eastern Europe and red alerts issued in multiple countries as authorities warned of life-threatening conditions. Romania declared a nationwide red alert for extreme heat, with 16 counties expected to record temperatures of 40°C or higher on Monday, while Slovakia and Hungary also issued red warnings as the heat dome expanded across the continent.
In Romania, the National Meteorological Administration confirmed that the red alert, which covers nearly half the country, will remain in effect through Monday as the “fire dome” of scorching air settles over most counties, including Bucharest. Temperatures in the shade are forecast to hit 41°C in some areas, with the heatwave already forcing six counties along the Black Sea coast to issue orange alerts due to water shortages. “The cooling is not expected until the start of July, when the first rains are forecast,” ANM meteorologist Oana Catrina told Digi24 .
Slovakia and Hungary are also under red alerts, with temperatures expected to exceed 40°C in multiple regions. Slovakia’s meteorological service reported that the heatwave, described as “exceptionally intense,” will bring temperatures between 35°C and 40°C, with little wind and only isolated mountain showers. Hungary’s meteorological office, HungaroMet, warned that 40°C could be reached in some areas, maintaining a third-degree heat alert across the entire country .
Germany and Austria are experiencing similar conditions, with temperatures nearing record highs. Germany’s national weather service, DWD, warned of potential new June temperature records as the heatwave peaks, while Austria’s ORF reported that the country’s infrastructure is already showing strain, with speed restrictions on the West Autobahn (A1) due to heat damage and Austrian Railways (ÖBB) issuing warnings of delays caused by overheated tracks .
Across Central Europe, the extreme heat is compounded by the threat of severe thunderstorms, with heavy rain, hail, and strong winds expected to bring some relief by Monday. Slovakia’s meteorological service noted that while the heat will persist, isolated storms could develop in mountainous regions, offering brief respite. In the Netherlands, the orange heat alert was lifted on Sunday, though a yellow warning remains in place as temperatures are expected to drop slightly in the coming days .
The heatwave has already claimed at least one life in Belgium, where a tree fell on a car in Walloon Brabant, killing the driver. Authorities across the region have urged the public to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and check on vulnerable neighbors. With the heat dome showing signs of breaking by midweek, meteorologists warn that the extreme weather is a stark reminder of the accelerating climate crisis, with scientists linking such prolonged and intense heatwaves to rising global temperatures.
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