Extreme heat breaks records across central and eastern Europe

Temperature records fell across central and eastern Europe as extreme heat forced Poland to shut down two coal-fired power plants due to low river levels. Slovakia hit 42C, while Austria and Hungary also saw record highs. The heat has fueled wildfires, with about half a million hectares burned in the EU, and has been linked to thousands of heat-related deaths in Germany. Experts warn the crisis, driven by fossil fuels, is straining infrastructure and wildlife.