A temperature record was recorded last night in Romania, the National Meteorological Service reported. In Şiria, Arad County, thermometers showed 27°C - an unusually high value for the night hours.
An orange code for dangerously hot weather is in effect for Bucharest and 11 other counties today. At 12:00 local (and Bulgarian) time in the Romanian capital, the temperature had already reached 36°C, BTA reported from the scene.
The heatwave also covers Oltenia, Muntenia, Banat, Maramures, Dobrudja and most of Transylvania. In some areas, the mercury in thermometers is expected to reach 40°C. The temperature and humidity index will exceed the critical threshold of 80 units.
The heat wave increases the risk of severe drought across the country. Authorities are urging citizens to use drinking water only for domestic purposes and to avoid watering gardens.
The drought is already causing damage to agricultural production. Corn and sunflower crops in Oltenia have been affected, and farmers fear they will have nothing to harvest in the fall. It has not rained in Dolj County since June 8. In the municipality of Vulcan, many springs have already dried up, Romanian television channel Digi24 reports.