Slovakia endures record heat, severe drought and storm warnings

A heat wave has pushed temperatures across Slovakia to record levels, with maximums of 41 °C recorded in several locations. Health authorities warned that seniors, pregnant women, people with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions and those taking certain medications are at heightened risk of heat‑related illness, urging regular hydration and limited outdoor activity.

The prolonged high temperatures have deepened a drought that now covers about 67 % of the country, reducing groundwater and surface‑water supplies and threatening agriculture. The Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMÚ) issued alerts for extreme heat, thunderstorms and potential flash‑flooding, especially in the western and eastern regions where intense storms are expected to bring up to 100 L of rain per square metre.

Storms have already caused material damage in towns such as Prešov, Sereď and other locales, with fallen trees, flooded streets and hail up to 5 cm in diameter. SHMÚ has posted hydrological warnings for flash floods in several districts, and local authorities have declared states of emergency in the worst‑hit municipalities.

Experts attribute the intensity of this heat wave to climate change, noting that comparable temperature spikes would have been highly unlikely half a century ago. Meanwhile, vehicle owners were advised to check coolant levels, as engines face greater strain under 40 °C conditions.