BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — There's increasing evidence that the extremely hot and dry summer in central and south eastern Europe has decimated crops, drained rivers and hurt the animal world.

Experts say the prolonged drought has destroyed an estimated 60 percent of corn crops in Serbia, while the government's ministry of ecology has warned that water levels across the country have dropped drastically and urged consumers to be cautious with their usage.

In neighboring Hungary, the drought has reduced the number of birds hatching in a national park as many of the breeding areas have dried out.

Temperatures in Serbia, Romania, Hungary and Croatia were expected to reach 39 degrees Celsius (102F) again on Thursday following a few days of less oppressive heat.