Temperatures rise to 30C in the UK, while Scotland is hit by half a month’s rain in two days

Slovakia has recorded a blistering 42.2°C in the village of Dolne Plachtince, breaking its own previous record of 41.4°C set the day before, according to the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMU). This marks the second consecutive day the nation has surpassed its historical temperature threshold, amid an ongoing heatwave gripping central Europe. The extreme weather has been accompanied by unusually low rainfall, exacerbating drought conditions across the region. The heatwave follows earlier records set in June, when Slovakia also saw its all-time high broken twice. Neighboring Austria has similarly experienced multiple temperature records this week, underscoring the intensity of the current climatic anomaly. The heatwave is intensifying due to climate change, which has driven prolonged periods of extreme heat and arid conditions across much of Europe. These conditions have contributed to a surge in wildfires, with notable incidents occurring in Serbia. In one tragic case, a man lost control of a fire he had lit near his home in a village approximately 80 kilometers east of Belgrade, resulting in his death. Emergency responders worked tirelessly to contain a large forest fire in the Ibar valley, using water-bombing aircraft to combat the blaze amidst challenging terrain. Local media captured footage of thick smoke rising from pine forests as flames spread toward residential areas. Smoke from another wildfire in a nature reserve northeast of Serbia’s capital was visible even within the city limits. Further south, Albania managed to bring numerous wildfires under control after they prompted evacuations in the southern regions. Despite these efforts, extreme fire danger warnings remain in effect across much of the region. Serbian police emphasized the gravity of the situation, urging citizens to heed fire restrictions. Police spokesperson Luka Causic stated that the incident involving the man who perished in a fire he ignited served as a grim reminder of the consequences of reckless behavior. He called for heightened vigilance and cautioned against violating fire bans. The relentless heat has also worsened drought conditions, impacting critical infrastructure and ecosystems. Several stretches of the Danube River have reached record-low levels, affecting both hydropower production and the transportation of goods via the waterway in Serbia. At the Bezdan monitoring station, where the river enters from Croatia and Hungary, water levels have continued to decline following a record low recorded the prior week. The reduced flow has raised concerns about the sustainability of energy supply and the movement of essential resources. Across the Channel, the United Kingdom is bracing for its fifth heatwave of the year, with heat health alerts in effect across much of the country. Forecasters predict temperatures could reach 36°C in parts of East Anglia and the southeast by Thursday, marking yet another record-breaking period. The UK Met Office has warned that the upcoming heatwave will add strain on healthcare systems, echoing similar challenges faced during previous heatwaves in May and June, which were associated with over 2,800 excess deaths. The current wave of heat is contributing to worsening drought conditions, with 19 counties in England reporting virtually no rainfall during July, the driest month on record for the region. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow heat health alerts for several regions, including the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, and others. The National Trust has launched a campaign urging the government to prioritize climate action, citing the growing threat posed by wildfires and extreme weather. Recent blazes have occurred in diverse locations, from the Suffolk coast to the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland. The Fire Severity Index indicates that fire conditions are approaching their most severe level in many parts of eastern and southeastern England. Meanwhile, reservoir storage in England has plummeted to 69%, significantly lower than the long-term average for this time of year. The persistent drought has sparked warnings about potential food price increases and agricultural losses, as farmers face unprecedented challenges in maintaining crop yields and livestock feed supplies.