Central and eastern Europe have been under the influence of a high-pressure system in early August, resulting in record-breaking temperatures. Austria recorded 41.2C, Slovakia reached 42.2C, and Hungary peaked at 41.8C, surpassing a 1905 record. Some areas in Hungary experienced overnight temperatures above 28C, classified as a tropical night.
These extreme temperatures, driven by a heat dome, have led to dried-out soil and vegetation, contributing to wildfires in Italy, France, Serbia, and Bulgaria. Water levels in the Danube have fallen to an all-time low, exposing archaeological remains and wartime wreckage. Low water levels have also impacted energy production, reducing efficiency at nuclear plants and forcing one plant in Hungary to shut down due to insufficient cooling water.
Separately, eastern Asia is facing severe weather. Typhoon Dolphin made landfall in China on Sunday, prompting a red alert for heavy rainfall and high winds before weakening to a tropical storm. Japan is preparing for Typhoon Chan-hom, expected to make landfall near Tohoku between Tuesday and Wednesday with gusts up to 80mph. A third system, Peilou, formed in the western Pacific and is likely to strengthen the south-west monsoon, bringing more rain to the Philippines.