Cold front brings thunderstorms and cooling across Slovakia

A cold front moving in from the west on July 19 is set to replace the record‑breaking heat that hit Slovakia earlier this month. The Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMÚ) issued first‑degree warnings for thunderstorms across the whole country, noting the risk of heavy rain (up to 30 mm in 30 min), hail larger than 2 cm, and wind gusts of 65‑85 km/h. Strong cells are expected to develop over Moravia and eastern Austria in the early afternoon and then sweep across Slovakia, first affecting the north‑west and central regions and later the east.

Temperatures will fall sharply, with daytime highs dropping from above 30 °C to the mid‑20s °C in most areas and nights cooling to the low‑20s °C. The cooler air will persist through the week, with the coldest readings expected later in the week. The SHMÚ warned that the intense rain and wind could cause flash flooding, damage to property and disruptions to transport and energy infrastructure. Residents are advised to stay indoors during storms, avoid open areas and seek shelter in solid buildings.