# Severe storms, hail, and Saharan dust in Central Europe > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/summer-blood-donation-trends-and-challenges > Updated: 2026-08-27T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 26. Developments: 2. Severe weather continues to impact Central Europe, characterized by extreme temperatures, Saharan dust, and intense storms. In Switzerland, a powerful cold front has caused widespread destruction across the Aargau, Solothurn, and Zurich regions. Insurance companies report millions in damages resulting from tennis-ball-sized hail that has destroyed roofs, vehicles, and gardens. These storms have also led to power outages, disrupted rail services, and forced flight cancellations at Zurich Airport. In Austria, temperatures have reached up to 36 degrees Celsius. The heatwave, combined with Saharan dust that has turned the sky a hazy yellow, continues to impact the agricultural sector, leading to early livestock slaughtering due to fodder shortages. Despite these conditions, blood donation rates in Upper Austria have remained stable. In Germany, Saharan dust persists in parts of Bavaria and the Allgäu. This dust can create ‘blood rain’—reddish precipitation mixed with sand—and may affect individuals with respiratory sensitivities. Additionally, the dust poses a risk to vehicle paintwork if not cleaned promptly. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-27: Central Europe hit by severe storms, hail, and Saharan dust Severe thunderstorms and hail have caused millions in damages across Switzerland, while Austria faces extreme heat and Saharan dust. Significant disruptions to transport and agriculture are reported. 20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/upper-austria-blood-donations-remain-stable-during-heatwave ### 2026-08-25: Blood donation levels drop by 40% during summer months Blood donations can drop by 40% during summer, threatening hospital supplies for surgeries and treatments. Continuous donations are vital due to the limited shelf life of blood components. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/blood-donation-levels-drop-by-40-during-summer-months --- Cite as: Severe storms, hail, and Saharan dust in Central Europe. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/summer-blood-donation-trends-and-challenges