Central Europe Under Threat from a New Heatwave, Increasing Risk of Fires, Water Crisis and Energy Problems

Central Europe is being hit by another heatwave, with forecasts indicating that temperatures could climb as high as 41 degrees Celsius in the coming days.

Extreme weather conditions have prompted authorities to strengthen emergency measures due to the risk of wildfires, water shortages and increased pressure on energy grids.

In Hungary, temperatures are initially expected to reach 39 degrees Celsius, according to the meteorological service, while within the next six days they could rise to 40–41 degrees. The lighting of fires in open spaces has been banned across the country.

To prevent a potential energy crisis, Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar has asked factories to voluntarily reduce their electricity consumption.

In the city of Szentendre, thousands of residents have been left without water. Until the situation returns to normal, the army has been deployed to distribute drinking water using two tankers and around 7,000 bags of water, according to authorities.

The significant drop in the Danube’s water level has also created difficulties for the Paks nuclear power plant. The facility is currently operating at less than 50% of its two-gigawatt capacity, while it could temporarily halt operations if water levels continue to fall.

High-temperature alerts have been issued across Slovakia, with the southwestern regions at the highest level of risk. Over the weekend, temperatures are forecast to range from 34 to 39 degrees Celsius.

More than 30 assistance points have been opened in the capital, Bratislava. At these facilities, residents can find air conditioning, drinking water and hygiene supplies, while authorities have also warned of an increased risk of fires.

A similar situation is unfolding in Slovenia. The Slovenian Environment Agency, ARSO, has classified the western part of the country as facing an “extremely high” wildfire risk, while also restricting activities that could cause fires to break out.

To prevent problems caused by rail deformation due to high temperatures, Slovenia’s railway operator has ordered trains to travel at lower speeds in some areas during the hottest hours.

Along Slovenia’s Adriatic coast, sea temperatures could exceed the record of 30.4 degrees Celsius, recorded in 2010.

Western Romania has been placed under yellow and orange alerts, as temperatures could reach 40 degrees Celsius. Meteorologists warn that the alert level could be raised in the coming days.

Extreme temperatures are also being recorded in Austria. In the eastern areas, they are reaching 38–39 degrees Celsius, while in some locations they could touch 40 degrees. GeoSphere Austria said the heatwave is occurring at a time when the country is facing a drought described as “extreme.”

Since the beginning of the year, rainfall in Austria has been approximately 30% below average. As a result, the first half of 2026 ranks among the driest periods documented since the beginning of the 20th century.