Hungary, Slovakia Hit New Temperature Records Amid Heatwave

Hungary and neighboring Slovakia have set new temperature records amid a sweltering heatwave that has been battering central Europe for over a week. On Tuesday, Slovakia registered a high of 41.3 degrees Celsius, exceeding the previous day's record of 41C, according to its meteorological service. The new benchmark was set in Kamenica nad Hronom, located in the southern part of the country near the Hungarian border.

Across the border, Hungary's national weather service, HungaroMet, reported a temperature of 42C in Szecseny. This reading surpassed the previous record of 41.9C, which had stood since 2007. The extreme heat has prompted authorities in both countries to issue the highest heat alert level for several days.

In response to the escalating temperatures and prolonged dry conditions, municipalities in both Hungary and Slovakia have implemented restrictions on water consumption. Some communities are experiencing shortages of drinking water, necessitating the use of tanker trucks to supply residents. In a hilly Hungarian village northwest of Budapest, locals were seen collecting water from a roadside cart in the intense heat, as household taps had run dry.

Andras Arki, a 23-year-old student, explained the necessity of the water collection, stating, "It's mainly to quench our thirst, and we have to give our animals water too." Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar has urged citizens to moderate their water usage, advising against non-essential activities like watering lawns and washing cars. The region continues to experience record-breaking temperatures, a trend seen across Europe during this severe heatwave.

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It's mainly to quench our thirst, and we have to give our animals water too.