Central Europe is currently grappling with unprecedented heat, with temperatures soaring to record levels in Slovakia and Austria. In Slovakia, the mercury hit 42.2 degrees Celsius, prompting the country’s nuclear power plant to operate at only 80% capacity due to low water levels in the Danube River. This situation is not isolated; Hungary’s capital Budapest recorded an overnight low of 28 degrees Celsius, severely impacting its nuclear facility, which now functions at just 10% capacity.
The extreme heat is also affecting Italy, where all 27 major cities are under the highest heat alert for the first time this year. Authorities are urging citizens to avoid direct sunlight during peak hours, highlighting the serious health risks posed by the heatwave. Tragically, at least four deaths have been reported, including that of a young tomato picker.
As the heatwave continues, Germany faces a worsening drought that is disrupting transport logistics. Companies are increasingly forced to shift cargo from waterways to roads, leading to reduced goods movement and rising prices. This shift not only affects the economy but also raises concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities.
Scientists warn that such extreme summer temperatures may become the norm in Europe as climate change accelerates. With the continent warming at twice the global average, the infrastructure is ill-equipped to handle these conditions, leading to potential long-term impacts on health, economy, and daily life across the region.
Source: Al Jazeera
