Orange heat alert in effect for over half of Romania; tropical nights expected this weekend

Romania is bracing for an intense episode of extreme heat, with the National Meteorological Administration (ANM) issuing orange and yellow alerts across most of the country for Friday, August 21, and Saturday, August 22.

An orange alert for severe heatwave is in effect for 27 counties, including Banat, Crișana, Maramureș, Transylvania, Oltenia, and parts of northern Moldova and southwestern Muntenia. In these regions, maximum temperatures are predicted to range between 35-38 degrees Celsius, with isolated areas in southern and southwestern Oltenia potentially reaching 39-40 degrees. Thermal discomfort will be high, with the temperature-humidity index (ITU) expected to exceed the critical threshold of 80.

Nights are also forecast to be exceptionally warm, with minimum temperatures in some areas not falling below 18-22 degrees Celsius, creating "tropical nights." A yellow alert has been issued for southern Moldova and northern, central, and eastern Muntenia, where maximum temperatures will range from 34-37 degrees Celsius, and the ITU will also approach or exceed 80.

While clouds may slightly temper temperatures in western, northwestern, and some central areas, values will remain unusually high and close to period records. The heat is expected to persist even after sunset. On Saturday, August 22, the orange alert will be reduced in scope, remaining active only for the counties of Mehedinți, Dolj, Olt, Teleorman, Botoșani, and Iași, though high temperatures will persist nationwide.