Record-breaking temperatures exceed 40°C as extreme heat sparks health emergencies and damages transport infrastructure
Germany and the Czech Republic recorded their highest-ever temperatures on Saturday as an intense heatwave swept across Central Europe, triggering health emergencies, disrupting transport infrastructure and prompting authorities to issue urgent public safety warnings.
Germany registered a record temperature of 41.5°C in the eastern town of Moeckern-Drewitz, according to the German Weather Service (DWD), surpassing the previous national record set only a day earlier.
The latest reading marked the second consecutive day that Germany broke its all-time temperature record. On Friday, the DWD recorded 41.3°C in the western city of Saarbruecken, eclipsing the country’s previous highest temperature and highlighting the severity of the ongoing heatwave.
The prolonged spell of extreme heat has placed mounting pressure on Germany’s healthcare system. Hospitals across the country reported an increase in emergency admissions, with old-age people accounting for the majority of patients suffering from heat stroke, dehydration and other heat-related illnesses.
The soaring temperatures have also damaged key transport infrastructure. Sections of the A2 motorway were forced to close after older concrete road surfaces expanded under the intense heat, causing the pavement to buckle and crack.
The motorway operator said two affected stretches have remained closed since Thursday and are expected to reopen on Sunday afternoon following emergency repairs, with damaged concrete slabs being replaced by asphalt.
Neighbouring Czech Republic also experienced unprecedented temperatures. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI) confirmed that a weather station in Doksany, north of Prague, recorded 40.6°C, breaking the country’s previous national record of 40.4°C set in 2012.
Meteorologists noted that temperatures were still rising when the observation was recorded, indicating that the final peak temperature could be revised even higher.
Weather experts attributed the exceptional conditions to a persistent high-pressure system that has intensified temperatures across much of Central and Western Europe, with several countries experiencing unusually hot weather for this time of year.
Authorities in both Germany and the Czech Republic have urged residents to remain hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day and regularly check on old-age relatives and other vulnerable individuals.
Public health officials also advised people to seek cool indoor environments where possible and warned that the heatwave could continue to pose serious health risks until temperatures begin to ease.
The record-breaking temperatures underscore the growing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events across Europe, with climate experts warning that prolonged heatwaves are becoming increasingly common and placing greater strain on public health systems, infrastructure and energy networks.
