Europe heatwave shatters records — cities hit 40°C and power systems strain
Budakalász reached 41.1°C and Slovakia hit 42.2°C; hydropower and nuclear units have reduced output amid low river levels and widespread water restrictions.
Central and southern Europe remained under an intense heatwave for a further day, with dozens of urban centres recording temperatures at or above 40°C and infrastructure coming under growing stress.
Hungary registered one of the highest readings: thermometers reached 41.1°C in Budakalász, outside Budapest, surpassing an earlier summer high of 41.0°C. Prolonged heat and drought have forced water restrictions in 629 towns, 13 of which are on the highest alert level; the army has been mobilised to deliver drinking water where it is most needed.
Extremely low flows on the Danube have also hit power supply: the Paks nuclear power plant — which supplies roughly half of Hungary’s electricity — was nearly shut down and is operating at a little over 10% of its capacity because of the river’s low level.
Austria recorded extraordinary temperatures for a second consecutive day. In the Stamersdorf area of Vienna the mercury reached 41°C today, while Bad Deutsch-Altenburg, near Vienna, saw 41.2°C yesterday, according to national meteorological data. The Austrian records show the country has never before registered three successive days with temperatures of 40°C or more.
Energy systems, rivers and public health under pressure
Slovakia set a new absolute temperature record for the country: the village of Dolné Plachtince registered 42.2°C, exceeding the 41.4°C recorded on 5 August in southwestern Slovakia, the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute reported. Extremely low levels on the Sava river forced a Slovak nuclear plant to reduce its output.
Italy is now experiencing its fourth heatwave of the summer. All 27 of the country’s major cities are under red alert today. Genoa reached a recorded 40°C and Florence 41°C; the authorities described today as a shared record for those 27 cities because of the accumulation of consecutive hot days accompanied by elevated daytime and night-time humidity. Cities under red code span from Bolzano in the Alps to Palermo in Sicily. Rome reached 37°C by day and 27°C at night with humidity above 60%. Media outlets report fatal cases among agricultural and construction workers exposed to the heat.
Across the region, continuing drought and high temperatures are forcing hydropower plants and thermal generators to cut output, while prolonged high humidity and nighttime heat are worsening risks to vulnerable populations and outdoor workers.
Photo: press material from the event
