BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — A heavy storm with strong winds, hail and rain has hit the Balkans as the weather changed on Monday following a week of record high temperatures in the region and elsewhere in Europe.

Temperatures dropped significantly in some areas, bringing relief after reaching more than 40 C (104 F) last week.

Slovenia's STA news agency reported that the storms "caused havoc" across the country overnight Sunday to Monday.

Thousands of households were left without electricity, as hail and winds damaged dozens of houses and crops. Dozens of homes were flooded, the storm collapsed trees and hail damaged cars.

In Croatia's Istria peninsula, stormy winds late Sunday uprooted trees and damaged roofs. Temporary traffic restrictions were imposed in some areas along the Adriatic coast late Sunday and early Monday.

In neighboring Serbia, sudden heavy rains hit a mountainous region in the west of the country late Monday before spreading to other parts of the country.

Meteorologists say the heat wave will return later in the week.