Romania issues red heat alert for three western counties as temperatures hit 40°C

Omega block sustains heatwave

An Omega atmospheric block, named for its resemblance to the Greek letter, is trapping a mass of tropical air over Romania. The high-pressure system at its center acts like a lid, preventing cooler air from entering and causing heat to accumulate over the same region for days. The tropical air mass that crossed western Europe has now settled over the country. On Saturday, felt temperatures reached 41°C in Timișoara, Arad, and Oradea. In Baia Mare, the temperature-humidity index (ITU) hit the critical threshold of 80 units, and Cluj-Napoca exceeded 35°C.

Red code for Satu Mare, Bihor, and Arad

The National Meteorological Administration (ANM) issued a red code warning for Satu Mare, Bihor, and Arad counties, valid from Sunday 10:00 to Monday 10:00. This is the first red code of this heat episode and marks the third consecutive day of intense heat in these areas. Maximum temperatures are forecast at 37–38°C in Satu Mare and 39–40°C in Bihor and Arad, values comparable to the absolute records for the first decade of August. The ITU will surpass 80 units, indicating severe thermal discomfort. Nighttime lows will remain between 19 and 25°C, with the highest values in the Western Hills, resulting in tropical nights.

Tomorrow a red code will be in effect for Satu Mare, Bihor and Arad counties. There, the intense heatwave will persist for the third consecutive day and extreme temperatures will be recorded. We won't escape the heatwave in the following days either. The heatwave will intensify, especially in the west and center of the territory, but will also expand to the south and east of the country.

Orange and yellow alerts cover much of the country

An orange code is in place for eight counties: Timiș, Hunedoara, Alba, Mureș, Cluj, Sălaj, Bistrița-Năsăud, and Maramureș. Highs there will reach 35–38°C, with ITU again exceeding 80 and tropical nights of 20–24°C. The orange alert on Saturday covered six counties; on Sunday it expands to eight. A yellow code applies to western and southern Oltenia, southern Banat and Transylvania, and the northern half of Moldova. In these areas, temperatures will range from 33 to 37°C, with the highest values in southern Banat, and the ITU may locally hit 80. Nighttime lows will be 20–22°C.

Heatwave to expand through 5 August

ANM's information note, valid until 5 August at 10:00, outlines the heatwave's trajectory. On Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, the most intense heat will persist in the west, southwest, center, and north. From Tuesday, 4 August, it will expand and intensify in the south and southeast. The ITU will remain above 80 in the affected regions, and tropical nights will continue. Meteorologists expect the heatwave to eventually cover almost the entire country.

Streets empty, water restricted

In Cluj-Napoca, the central Union Square was nearly deserted at midday on Saturday. Those who ventured out sought shade and cold drinks.

It's a bit devastating. That's why, as you can see, I got myself a glass of ice with lemon and mineral water, so I can get through this hot day safely.

Local authorities in Cluj are preparing to open first-aid points on Sunday. In Dolj county, water supply restrictions have been introduced in some localities, with water provided on a schedule. The heat is also straining water networks elsewhere in the west.