Central European heat wave expected to reach 38 °C in late July

Meteorologists forecast a new heat wave across Central Europe in the second half of July 2026. The Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMÚ) warned that temperatures could climb to 38 °C in the country’s southwest, with 35 °C‑plus expected in many areas from July 31 to August 5. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) issued a weekend outlook of warm days up to 30 °C, occasional showers and brief thunderstorms, while also noting a short‑lived cooling front earlier in the week. Hungary’s weather service similarly expects a return of tropical heat later in the week, with possible peaks near 38 °C in parts of the nation. In response to the intense heat, Slovakia’s public health office reported degraded water quality at several swimming sites, citing elevated cyanobacteria and chlorophyll levels that pose higher health risks for children, pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals. A personal account from a 33‑year‑old describes severe heat‑related illness that disrupts daily activities, underscoring the human toll of such extreme temperatures.