Extreme heatwave continues to strain Europe's energy grids and public health

A persistent heatwave across Southern and Southeastern Europe continues to intensify, pushing temperatures near 40 degrees Celsius and placing extreme strain on public health and regional infrastructure.

In Serbia, official alerts remain at the highest level as temperatures peaked at 38.6 degrees Celsius in Sombor, with high heat recorded across the Pannonian basin and major urban centers. Unseasonably high electricity demand for cooling, alongside record-low water levels on the Danube River, has severely burdened local energy grids and heightened risks to agricultural yields.

Across Central and Southern Europe, heat records are tumbling. Italy’s Ministry of Health placed all 27 monitored cities under maximum red alert as surface asphalt temperatures approached 75 degrees Celsius, while Austria reported record-high temperatures. Health authorities across the continent warn that extreme weather events are becoming increasingly frequent and severe.

Sources: Beta, Danas, Klix, N1, Tanjug