Central Europe heatwave sets temperature records and disrupts transport

A severe heatwave is sweeping Central Europe, with temperatures topping 40 °C in both Slovakia and the Czech Republic. In the Czech town of Doksany a provisional record of 40.8 °C (later 40.9 °C) was measured, breaking the previous national high of 40.4 °C set in 2012. Slovakia also saw temperatures above 40 °C, prompting third‑degree heat alerts across the Bratislava, Trnava and Nitra regions and first‑ and second‑degree warnings elsewhere.

Health authorities warned of heat‑related illnesses, urging extra water intake, reduced outdoor activity and protection for vulnerable groups such as children, seniors and pregnant women. Fire‑danger zones were expanded, and water‑supply authorities reported pressure on reservoirs.

Transport services were affected: the Slovak rail operator reduced train speeds to 80 km/h (and in some sections to 50 km/h) in the hottest zones, causing delays of up to 40 minutes on international routes to Poland and Hungary. Similar speed restrictions were reported in neighbouring countries.

Meteorologists forecast a cold front with thunderstorms that should bring a rapid temperature drop of 10‑15 °C by early next week, offering relief after several days of record‑breaking heat.