Romania struggles with heatwave
The heat wave will continue in the next few days, with highs set to vary between 34 and 38 degrees Celsius across most of the country.
Mihai Pelin, 19.07.2023, 14:00
The wave heat continues to engulf most of Romania. Scorching temperatures and thermal discomfort are strongest felt in the south, south-east, west and some parts of the centre of the country. In many towns and cities, the local authorities have created spaces in the busy areas where people can cool and are making sure that fountains and air conditioning systems on public transport are working. Doctors are reminding chronic patients and older persons to be particularly cautious during the heat wave. They recommend people avoid exposure to the sun for long periods and stay away from drinks with a high content of caffeine.
Public transport has also been affected by the heat. Due to temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius in the air and over 50 at ground level, speed restrictions are in place on certain sections of railway. Restrictions also affect heavy road vehicles, which constructors say help prevent major and irreversible damage to roads given the very high temperatures.
Due to excessive heat, dry vegetation has caught fire in several areas in Romania. One such wildfire broke out on Tuesday near Bucharest and disrupted traffic for a few hours. Dry vegetation catches fire quickly because of the high temperatures, but its not just the heat that is to blame. Farmers clean their land through burns, despite the fact that this illegal under Romanian legislation. In Vrancea county in the east, fire fighters have recently extinguished seven such fires.
Other parts of Europe, as well as North America, northern Africa and some parts of Asia are also struggling with excessive heat, with incredible temperatures recorded in some areas. China announced a record high of 53 degrees Celsius and the Death Valley in California, one of the hottest places on earth, saw 52 degrees Celsius. A record high of 42 degrees was recorded on Tuesday in Rome. Spain and France are also struggling with the heat wave. In Greece, the red code heat alert has been extended until the end of the week, with its northern regions, which are popular destinations for Romanian tourists, recording very high temperatures. Fire fighters are struggling to contain the wildfires in the Athens region and the European civil protection mechanism has been activated allowing Greece to receive assistance from other EU states.
The heat will intensify in the coming days, with the European Space Agency saying next week may see the highest temperatures ever recorded in Europe. According to experts, the intense heat that has been affecting Europe may lead to a change in tourist behaviour, as people will be seeking cooler destinations or holidaying in spring or autumn to avoid the summer heat. (CM)
