Sunday's temperatures are somewhat lower in central and eastern Slovenia, but the heat is growing gradually on the coast, where it is expected to culminate on Monday.

While Slovenia's overall temperature record was not reached on Saturday, new all-time highs were set in Novo mesto at 39.4 degrees centigrade, in Ljubljana at 38.3 degrees, in Kočevje at 37.9, in Slovenj Gradec at 37.7 and at the Brnik airport at 37.3 degrees.

In Črnomelj, mercury stopped at 40 degrees, just below the 40.6 degrees record.

Ljubljana hit a new record high on Sunday, with mercury rising to 38.4 degrees. Another record was said to be reached in Postojna, but the highest temperature has not yet been confirmed.

Temperatures topping between 35 and 38 degrees are to continue until Thursday, and the heat is forecast to abate on Friday with some rain.

The scorching heat is also causing high levels of ozone in the air especially on the coast, which may bring problems to people with respiratory conditions. However, all other people are advised to avoid the heat outside.

The emergency ward of the Ljubljana UKC hospital is seeing a 10-20% increase in the number of patients treated, many of whom are suffering from general exhaustion or dehydration.

The heat is also causing major problems in agriculture, as the draught is already severely damaging crops.