Central Europe sees record temperatures as heatwave continues

What the report says

Central Europe is facing another severe heatwave, with Al Jazeera reporting record temperatures in Slovakia, Hungary and Austria as the hot spell continues across the region. The report, published on 7 August 2026, said Slovakia reached 42.2C in the southern village of Dolne Plachtince, while Austria recorded an all-time high of 41.2C near the Slovak border in Bad Deutsch-Altenburg. In Hungary, Budapest saw a new overnight low-temperature record, with the mercury reportedly staying at 28C.

The extreme heat is also putting pressure on infrastructure and energy systems. According to the article, falling water levels in the Danube River are affecting nuclear power output in Slovakia and Hungary, while Germany has seen some cargo shifted from ships to road transport because of low water levels. The report said Hungary’s only nuclear plant was operating at a reduced level, and Slovakia’s plant was also running below full capacity.

Italy has placed all 27 of its major cities on the highest heat alert, with officials warning people to avoid direct sun during the hottest hours of the day. The article also said at least four people are believed to have died in recent days amid the heat, including a 19-year-old tomato picker. More broadly, the piece noted that scientists expect extreme summer heat to become more common as Europe warms faster than other regions, with the continent already seeing repeated heatwaves and reported excess deaths this summer.