Deadly heatwave shifts east, scorching Hungary and Balkans
A severe heatwave that has shattered temperature records in western Europe for more than a week has shifted eastward, now impacting Hungary, Romania, and the Balkans. On Tuesday, Budapest is expected to reach 40°C (104°F), while Monday will see Belgrade and Bucharest experiencing temperatures of 38°C and 37°C, respectively. Extreme heat red warnings have been issued for Poland, Hungary, Romania, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Slovakia. Parts of southern and western Switzerland also remain under similar alerts. This intense and unusually early heatwave highlights the significant effects of climate change on summer conditions in Europe, the continent experiencing the fastest warming globally.
Key facts
- Heatwave shifted from western to eastern Europe after more than a week.
- Budapest expected to reach 40°C (104°F) on Tuesday.
- Belgrade to hit 38°C, Bucharest 37°C on Monday.
- Red warnings issued in Poland, Hungary, Romania, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Slovakia.
- Alerts still in place for parts of southern and western Switzerland.
- The event is described as intense and unusually early.
- Climate change is transforming summers in Europe, the fastest-warming continent.
- A water mist machine was installed in Bucharest to help cope with heat.
Entities
Institutions
- European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts
- South China Morning Post
Locations
- Hungary
- Romania
- Balkans
- Budapest
- Belgrade
- Serbia
- Bucharest
- Poland
- Croatia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Slovakia
- Switzerland
- Europe