East-Central Europe and the Balkans with New or Almost New National June Records! North Macedonia +41.7°C, Serbia +40.7°C, Bosnia and Herzegovina +40.5°C, Romania >40.0°C, Hungary +39.7°C, Slovenia +38.4°C, Austria +38.3°C, Croatia +38.2°C, Slovakia +37.4°C
Marek Kučera 
A powerful heatwave is gripping East-Central Europe and the Balkans, bringing exceptionally high temperatures and threatening to break or match national June records in multiple countries.
📍 Key Recorded Temperatures (June 26, 2025):
- North Macedonia: +41.7°C 🌡️
- Serbia: +40.7°C (0.5°C from National June record)
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: +40.5°C (0.7°C from National June record)
- Romania: >+40.0°C
- Hungary: +39.7°C (0.6°C from National June record)
- Slovenia: +38.4°C (New National June record)
- Austria: +38.3°C (0.3°C from National June record)
- Croatia: +38.2°C
- Slovakia: +37.4°C
Many of these values are new all-time June highs or within striking distance of historical records, signaling one of the most intense June heatwaves in regional history.
This extreme heat is being fueled by a strong high-pressure system, clear skies, and hot southerly winds, exacerbating fire risks, drought potential, and health concerns across the region.
Authorities urge the public to take precautions as the heatwave may persist into early July.
🧭 Meteorological Cause
This exceptional heatwave is the result of a strong and persistent subtropical ridge extending from North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean, pumping very hot, dry air northward across the Balkans and into Central Europe.
- Clear skies, strong solar radiation, and dry soils are amplifying heat.
- Hot southerly winds are pushing temperatures well above seasonal norms.
⚠️ Impacts
- Heat stress and health risks are rising, especially for vulnerable groups.
- Wildfire danger is increasing, particularly in dry grassland and forested zones.
- Crop damage and water shortages may intensify in rural areas.
- Urban heat islands in major cities are experiencing overnight heat retention, making recovery difficult during the night.
Illustration picture: https://www.belmondo-travel.com/balkan-hidden-gems/
