Slovakia braces for extreme heatwave with temperatures up to 35°C and high fire risk

Slovakia is set to experience extreme heatwave conditions from Friday, June 19, through Sunday, June 21, with maximum temperatures expected to reach 35 degrees Celsius. The Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMÚ) has issued warnings about strong thermal stress and a heightened risk of wildfires across the country.

According to the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), thermal stress will intensify throughout the period. While most of Slovakia will experience mild heat stress, the western part of the country is forecast to see severe thermal stress, particularly over the weekend. The Heat Index (HI), which accounts for temperature and relative humidity, indicates a strong warning for the west, where conditions will be uncomfortable, especially in direct sunlight, increasing the risk of heatstroke, muscle cramps, and overheating.

Humidity levels are also expected to rise due to the passage of a decaying cold front on Sunday. Light discomfort from humidity will be felt nationwide over the weekend, with locally strong conditions in several areas on Saturday. By Sunday, significant humidity will be noticeable across most of western Slovakia.

In addition to the health risks, the dry conditions are raising concerns about wildfires. Fine natural combustible materials such as dry grass, leaves, and twigs in western Slovakia will have moisture content below six percent, representing a very high fire risk. The Fire Weather Index (FWI) predicts a very high risk of fire spread in the Podunajská nížina region and locally in the Záhorie area, especially on Saturday. Elsewhere in southern Slovakia, moderate to high fire spread risk is expected during Friday and the weekend, with moisture levels in fuel between six and ten percent, and up to 15 percent in the north, still posing a high fire danger.

The public is advised to take precautions against heat stress, avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours, stay hydrated, and refrain from activities that could spark wildfires.