Red Alert for Extreme Heat in Romania: Temperatures to Hit 41 Degrees Celsius

Romania is bracing for severe heat as the National Meteorological Administration (ANM) has issued a red alert for extreme temperatures, with forecasts reaching up to 41 degrees Celsius in the country's western regions. The heatwave is expected to persist and expand across most of Romania on Monday and Tuesday, bringing intense heat, significant thermal discomfort, and tropical nights where minimum temperatures remain high.

The ANM has issued multiple warnings, including yellow, orange, and red alerts, for various parts of the country. On Monday and Tuesday (August 3-4), a yellow code is in effect for Oltenia, Moldova, western and southwestern Muntenia, and southern Transylvania, with maximum temperatures ranging from 33 to 37 degrees Celsius. Orange codes are active in counties like Caraș-Severin, Timiș, Hunedoara, Alba, Mureș, Cluj, Sălaj, Bistrița-Năsăud, and Maramureș, where maximum temperatures will reach 35 to 38 degrees Celsius.

The most severe red code has been issued for Satu Mare, Bihor, and Arad counties. Meteorologists predict extreme temperatures comparable to historical August records, with highs of 37-38 degrees Celsius in Satu Mare and 39-40 degrees Celsius in Bihor and Arad. Tropical nights are also expected, with minimum temperatures potentially reaching 24-25 degrees Celsius, particularly in the Crișana hills.

On Tuesday and Wednesday (August 4-5), the red code is set to expand to include Timiș county. A yellow code will cover Muntenia, Dobrogea, most of Moldova and Oltenia, and eastern/southeastern Transylvania, with highs between 31-38 degrees Celsius. An orange code will be in place for Maramureș, southern Banat, most of Transylvania, northeastern Moldova, and southwestern Oltenia, with temperatures forecast between 35 and 39 degrees Celsius. The high temperature-humidity index (ITU) is expected to exceed critical thresholds across affected areas, indicating severe discomfort.