Slovakia and Czech Republic face record heatwave with temperatures up to 40 °C

heatwave Slovakia Czech Republic temperature 40 °C drought

A severe heatwave swept Central Europe in late July 2026. The Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMÚ) issued first‑, second‑ and third‑level heat‑wave warnings for large parts of western and southern Slovakia, covering districts such as Malacky, Komárno, Nové Zámky, Dunajská Streda, Senica and Skalica. Temperatures in these areas are expected to reach 38 °C and, in isolated spots, up to 40 °C. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) issued strong‑heat warnings for most of the Czech Republic, forecasting daily maxima of 33‑38 °C and occasional peaks of 40 °C in southern Moravia.

The heatwave is projected to persist until 6‑7 August 2026, with tropical nights when temperatures stay above 20 °C. Drought already affects about 90 % of Slovakia’s territory, with extreme‑dry conditions on roughly 38 % of the area. In the Senica district, crop yields are expected to fall by more than 40 % because of the lack of soil moisture. Public‑health authorities have warned that children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with chronic cardiovascular, respiratory or metabolic conditions face heightened health risks. They advise regular water intake, limiting outdoor activity, staying in shade and seeking medical help if heat‑related symptoms appear. High fire risk has led authorities to prohibit open fires, ban grilling in vulnerable zones and urge the public to report any sparks.

Both countries have also highlighted the strain on human health and the increased likelihood of wildfires, urging residents to follow preventive measures throughout the heatwave.

Entities

Bordeaux · Bratislava · Bratislava district · Czech Hydrometeorological Institute · Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) · Czech Republic · Dobšinská Ice Cave · Emmanuel Macron · France · Jana Potanková · Jérôme Steffe · Kamenica nad Hronom

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] A high‑pressure system from the southwest will bring warm, dry air from North Africa across the Czech Republic. www.novinky.cz
[● 2 SOURCES] Nighttime minimum temperatures will mostly stay above 20 °C. www.novinky.cz
[○ 1 SOURCE] The 2026 autumn season is forecast to be unusually warm and variable, with above‑average temperatures and frequent shifts between warm spells and cooler fronts.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Monday will be cloudy with occasional showers and thunderstorms and temperatures around 20‑25 °C.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Tuesday will see clearer skies with highs of 24‑29 °C.
[DISPUTED] Some locations may see temperatures close to 40 °C during the week. www.novinky.cz
[● 2 SOURCES] Temperatures are expected to reach up to 38 °C on Friday and Saturday in the Czech Republic. www.novinky.cz
[○ 1 SOURCE] Thursday temperatures may climb to about 37 °C.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Dobšinská Ice Cave lost about 600 m³ of ice in 2025, leaving an estimated 110 000 m³.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Health authorities warned that temperatures exceeding 33 °C increase the risk of heat‑related illness for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and pregnant women. hnonline.sk
[● 3 SOURCES] The June‑July heatwave met the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute’s criteria of at least five consecutive days with maximum temperatures of 30 °C or more and at least one day above 35 °C, lasting on www.pravda.sk · www.aktuality.sk
[● 2 SOURCES] A temperature of 41.3 °C was recorded in Kamenica nad Hronom on 30 June 2026. www.pravda.sk