VIENNA: Summer came early to central and eastern Europe as unseasonally-high temperatures were recorded on Saturday in several parts of Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic.

Temperatures “are exceptionally mild for April”, Austria’s ZAMG meteorological centre said, reporting a record 32 Celsius (90 Fahrenheit) in the northern region of Lower Austria.

The centre said the main reason for the summer weather gracing the region was a strong southern wind from Africa’s Sahara desert.

Temperatures hovering around 28 Celsius (82 Fahrenheit) in Vienna drew large crowds to the banks of the Danube while Germany’s Bild carried front-page pictures of Berlin residents sunbathing in 30 degrees.

Prague experienced its hottest April 28 in 212 years, with mercury hitting 27.7 Celsius (82 Fahrenheit) while unusually-high temperatures were also recorded in Poland and Slovakia.

– AFP/de

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