BUCHAREST, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Romania's National Meteorological Administration has issued on Sunday a Code Red warning as a severe heatwave blankets much of the country from July 6 to June 8.
Maximum temperatures are expected to soar to 38-41 degrees Celsius in 16 counties and Bucharest, with nighttime lows remaining above 21 degrees Celsius. The heat stress index (ITU) will exceed the critical threshold of 80 units, posing serious health risks.
Code Orange and Code Yellow alerts are also in effect across other regions, including Banat, Transylvania, and Moldova, with highs between 33-39 degrees Celsius.
A Code Yellow thunderstorm warning has been issued for the Southern and Curvature Carpathians on July 6, forecasting heavy rain, lightning, wind gusts up to 70 kilometers per hour, and isolated hail.
In response, the Health Ministry has activated emergency protocols, urging health services to increase staffing, ensure medicine availability, and set up hydration points in public spaces. Food safety inspections will be intensified, particularly in school camps and food establishments. ■