After a relatively comfortable Tuesday, Slovakia will be hit by a multi-day heatwave. On Thursday, July 30, temperatures in the west of the country could rise to 38 °C, and the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMÚ) has already issued the highest, 3rd-degree warnings for six districts. This is a level at which extreme heat threatens not only well-being but also life.
Where it will be hottest
3rd-degree warnings will be in effect on Thursday from afternoon to evening in the districts of Malacky, Senica, Skalica, Dunajská Streda, Komárno, and Nové Zámky. As Startitup reports, citing SHMÚ, these are the areas where peak temperatures up to 38 °C are predicted.
For the entire Bratislava region, as well as most districts in the Trnava and Nitra regions, 2nd-degree warnings have been issued – temperatures here could reach 35 °C. 1st-degree warnings cover individual districts in the Banská Bystrica, Trenčín, and Košice regions.
The reason is simple: very warm air is coming from the south. It will bring not just a single peak, but a multi-day heatwave, which will also worsen the drought – it has already been affecting the western regions for a long time.
Who is most at risk
The third degree warning does not mean "it will be hot," but is an official warning of a threat to health and life due to extreme strain on the body. The Public Health Authority (ÚVZ) warns of the risk of overheating, dehydration, and heatstroke.
Those most at risk include:
- children – their bodies overheat and lose fluid faster;
- elderly people – heatstroke often develops unnoticed at this age;
- pregnant women;
- people with chronic diseases – cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.
If you work outdoors – in construction, delivery services, or in warehouses without air conditioning – Thursday will be the hardest day. Plan strenuous tasks for the morning, and seek shade and cool places during the midday hours.
Drought and fire risk
The heat does not come alone. Prolonged drought has already dried out soils and vegetation, and the combination of high temperatures with dry grass significantly increases the risk of fires. Authorities ask for extreme caution with fire in nature – this applies to barbecues, cigarettes, and any open flame in forests or meadows.
If you plan to go to a lake or mountains on the weekend, check the current restrictions on forest access in your region. Some trails may be closed during the highest fire risk periods.
What to do during these days
Classic advice from doctors during extreme heat:
- Drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and excessive coffee – they speed up dehydration.
- Do not go outside unnecessarily between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM, especially with children.
- Check on elderly neighbors or relatives to see if they need help – these days are the most dangerous for them.
- Never leave children or animals in a car, not even for a minute – car interiors heat up to deadly temperatures in minutes in the sun.
- If you experience symptoms of heatstroke (dizziness, nausea, hot dry skin, confusion) – move the person to a cool place and call 155.
Check the current warning maps for your area on the SHMÚ website – the institute updates them as the heatwave develops. Meteorologists, as Zahori.sk writes, expect the hot air to stay over the country for several consecutive days. So, Thursday is just the beginning.
