A red code has been introduced throughout Serbia as a warning for hot weather due to the entry of warm air from North Africa, local media reported, quoted by BTA.
Temperatures of up to 40 degrees are expected from today until Thursday, and on Friday the mercury will reach 42 degrees Celsius, the meteorological service and the Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs told RTS.
According to data from the meteorological service at 8 a.m. (local time), the highest temperature in Serbia was measured in the capital Belgrade, where 29 degrees were registered.
Novi Sad measured 27 degrees, Kragujevac - 26, and Niš - 24 degrees.
The lowest temperature is in Senica (Southwestern Serbia) - 14 degrees.
According to the latest data from Serbian meteorologists at 11 a.m. local time, the temperature in Belgrade was 32 degrees Celsius.
"For the chronically ill and those suffering from high blood pressure, it is advisable to consult their doctor about what therapy to take in the coming days", Dr. Aleksandar Čokanović from the Emergency Department told RTS.
"Avoid sweetened drinks, carbonated juices, drink mineral and plain water and try not to add sugar to your lemonade!", Dr. Čokanović added.
The Serbian Ministry of Interior warned that the heat wave in the coming days will further increase the risk of fires starting and spreading outdoors.
The statement on the website of the interior ministry states that the risks will be most pronounced in areas with the greatest deficit of soil moisture, i.e. with the greatest lack of precipitation from the previous period, especially on Friday, when moderate to strong southwesterly winds will blow in the hilly and mountainous areas.