Hungary, Romania, Slovakia: High temperatures forecast to persist across the region through at least Sept. 5

High temperatures are forecast to persist across much of Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia through at least Sept. 5. Over the coming days, maximum temperatures of over 35 C (95 F) are expected across parts of the region.

The Hungarian Meteorological Service issued yellow high-temperature warnings across much of the country on Sept. 2, with the exception of some northeastern and western regions. Orange warnings are in place across parts of southern Hungary, and yellow warnings are in place across much of the rest of the country on Sept. 3-5, with the exception of some eastern and northeastern regions.

Romania's National Administration of Meteorology has issued orange heatwave warnings across Arad, Caras-Severin, Mehedinti, and Timis counties in western Romania Sept. 2-3. Yellow warnings are in place across the rest of the western half of the country Sept. 2 and across much of the country with the exception of some central and far southeastern regions Sept. 3.

The Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute has issued orange high-temperature warnings across parts of southwestern and western Slovakia and yellow high-temperature warnings across the rest of western and parts of southern, south-central, and southeastern Slovakia Sept. 2-4.

Officials could update and extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

The high temperatures may result in increased energy and water demand and a heightened risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

The extended period of oppressive heat and dry conditions may produce ideal circumstances for wildfire growth throughout the region. Heatwaves also threaten vulnerable groups - such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with respiratory illnesses - due to the increased possibility of heat stroke or heat exhaustion during prolonged exposure to high temperatures. These health risks could also extend to relatively healthy individuals during significant heatwave events.

Very high temperatures may warp rail tracks and force passenger and freight trains to operate at reduced speeds. Road surface damage is also possible, and overheated vehicles may worsen traffic problems in urban areas where congestion is already a problem. Commercial trucking disruptions might occur as very high temperatures stress vehicles, making tire blowouts more common. Major flight disruptions are unlikely, but general aviation disruptions are possible, and some airfreight carriers could reduce cargo loads. High temperatures could lead to an increased demand for electricity, which might trigger localized brownouts or blackouts, exacerbating hazardous conditions when air conditioning is no longer possible.