Central Europe sees record temperatures as heatwave continues

Record-breaking temperatures in Slovakia and Austria as Italy places all of its 27 major cities on highest heat alert.Published On 7 Aug 20267 Aug 2026Central Europe has seen record-breaking temperatures amid a sweltering heatwave, as energy and transport systems across the continent face disruption.Temperatures in Slovakia reached 42.2 degrees Celsius (108 degrees Fahrenheit) in the southern village of Dolne Plachtince on Thursday, according to the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMU). The country’s only nuclear power plant is operating at 80 percent of its capacity as water levels in the Danube, Europe’s second-longest river, fall to record lows.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Why are the Washington wildfires so severe?list 2 of 3As Spain grieves, recurrent heatwaves stir fears of further wildfireslist 3 of 3Puerto Rican cities hit with water rationing measures during record droughtend of listNeighbouring Hungary also recorded a new overnight temperature record in its capital, Budapest, on Wednesday, with temperatures falling only to 28C (82.4F), underscoring the persistence of the extreme heat.The landlocked country is also being affected by low water levels...