Extreme heat in Romania

After storms and powerful winds that wrought havoc last week, Romania is now faced with a heat wave

Mihai Pelin, 30.06.2017, 13:24

Romania is melting in a heat wave
that has engulfed the entire country. Weather forecasts warn of more heat in
the next day or two, with temperatures expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius.
The extreme heat will accentuate the level of thermal discomfort, while the
temperature-humidity ratio is expected to exceed the critical 80 units. The
heat wave has also affected the capital Bucharest.

The authorities have put in
place a number of air-conditioned tents with medical staff ready to provide
assistance, water and medicines to passers-by. 840 ambulance cars and 270
special vehicles belonging to the Mobile Emergency Service for Resuscitation andExtrication
(SMURD) are on stand-by ready to intervene in case of an emergency.

Temperatures did not drop much overnight, either, remaining above 20 degrees
Celsius. The weekend will see more heat, but a wave of cold air is expected to
reach Romania from northern Europe, bringing storms and normal temperatures of
around 30 degrees. The current heat wave comes after storms last weekend that
caused many problems in the north, centre, south-west and east of the country.

Torrential rain accompanied by strong wind caused significant damage and
disrupted road travel. The roofs of many houses and buildings were damaged,
trees felled and the electricity supply interrupted. Hail was also reported in
some areas, causing damage to the crops.