As a result of global climate changes, Slovakia's climate may become more similar to that of the Balkan countries in years to come, climatologist Pavel Faško told a press conference on December 12, as reported by the TASR newswire.
"One manifestation will definitely be that there'll be more heat waves," said Faško, who works at the Slovak Hydro-Meteorological Institute (SHMÚ), as quoted by TASR.
The climatologist said that because Slovakia is a landlocked country, the air above it is subject to overheating in summer. Unless it is replaced by colder and more humid air, there may be up to 10-day spells where the thermometer reaches around 35 degrees C in southern Slovakia. This would bring Slovakia's climate on par with that in northern parts of Serbia, Bulgaria and Croatia, and to the weather in southern Hungary.
Environment Minister József Nagy pointed to climate change having a substantial impact on water management which might also be seen in more floods and landslides. Droughts also play havoc in some areas.
"An increasing number of villages are applying for extra subsidies for creation of some new water sources, as current water sources are drying up, especially in mountain valleys," said Nagy.
Source: TASR
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
