Lithuania and Poland face record heat and severe storms

Lithuania experienced an unprecedented heat wave in late June, with temperatures in Kaunas reaching 34.6 °C – the highest June reading since 1940. The Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service confirmed new records for June 28 and 29, and the nation warned that relief from the heat is unlikely until the second half of the following week. Local authorities in Jonavos deployed enhanced water sprinklers and free drinking water stations to help residents cope with the extreme temperatures.

In neighboring Poland, the western city of Slubice recorded a historic 38.9 °C, surpassing previous June highs and prompting forecasts of temperatures up to 42 °C in western regions. Powerful thunderstorms followed, toppling trees, damaging roads and homes, and bringing hail of up to 4 cm. Meteorologists warned that future storms could produce hurricane‑strength winds of up to 100 km/h, heavy rain, and further hail, raising concerns over flooding and forest fire risk.