High pressure dominating central and eastern Europe in early August has broken temperature records, with Slovakia reaching 42.2C and drought and wildfires intensifying, according to the Guardian.
Key facts
- Austria recorded a high of 41.2C (106.2F).
- Slovakia reached 42.2C.
- Hungary hit 41.8C, surpassing a record set in 1905.
- Overnight temperatures stayed above 28C in some areas, marking a tropical night.
- A heat dome beneath a high-pressure system trapped warm air near the surface.
High pressure has dominated central and eastern Europe in early August, breaking temperature records across the region, according to the Guardian’s weather tracker.
Austria recorded a high of 41.2C (106.2F), while Slovakia reached 42.2C during the spell of extreme heat.
Hungary hit a peak of 41.8C, surpassing a record set in 1905. In some areas, overnight temperatures remained above 28C, marking what forecasters describe as a tropical night.
The Guardian reports that the extreme temperatures have been driven by a heat dome beneath the high-pressure system, which traps warm air close to the surface.
Alongside the soaring temperatures, drought and wildfires have intensified across the continent. Meanwhile, the same report notes that tropical storms have brought heavy rain and disruption to east Asia.
Why it matters
Record-breaking heat waves place strain on health systems, agriculture and infrastructure, and heighten the risk of drought and wildfires. Persistent high overnight temperatures, or tropical nights, can be especially dangerous because they give people little relief from daytime heat.
Frequently asked questions
Which countries broke temperature records?
According to the Guardian, Austria recorded 41.2C, Slovakia reached 42.2C, and Hungary hit 41.8C, surpassing a record set in 1905.
What is causing the extreme heat?
The Guardian reports the temperatures have been driven by a heat dome beneath a high-pressure system, which traps warm air close to the surface.
What is a tropical night?
In this context it refers to overnight temperatures remaining above 28C in some areas, offering little relief from the daytime heat.