A sizzling heatwave has descended upon central and eastern Europe, with temperatures soaring to unprecedented levels. Red warnings for extreme heat have been issued across several nations, including Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Slovakia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, where authorities are urging citizens to stay indoors during the hottest hours.
Forecasts from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts indicate that Budapest is expected to exceed 40C on Tuesday. On Monday, Belgrade and Bucharest reached highs of 38C and 37C respectively. The Hungarian Prime Minister, Péter Magyar, has appealed for national unity and mutual support via social media, highlighting the two most challenging days of the heatwave are imminent. In response, Hungarian authorities have made available over 2,000 air-conditioned cooling centres nationwide for those unable to find relief at home.
The extreme weather has already caused significant disruption. Germany recorded its highest temperature for a third consecutive day on Sunday, with preliminary data from the DWD showing 41.7C in Coschen, Brandenburg. The heat buckled tram tracks and disrupted transport in several German cities, while Berlin police deployed water cannon to cool crowds in public spaces.
The current heatwave is considered by scientists to be the most severe and widespread ever recorded, with its intensity linked to the ongoing climate crisis. Despite easing temperatures in Western Europe, where temperature records were shattered, the human cost remains significant. Officials report over 1,000 excess deaths in France, while Spain's health institute has recorded more than 800 additional deaths nationwide.
Experts warn that central and eastern Europe face particular vulnerabilities to such extreme heat due to inadequate summer ventilation and low air conditioning usage. Many cities feature prefabricated concrete panel blocks, designed for heating, which trap heat efficiently but often lack adequate ventilation.