BUCHAREST, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- Romania's National Meteorological Administration issued a red alert for extreme heat in seven counties from Thursday to Friday, with temperatures expected to peak at 41 degrees Celsius.
The red alert covers Arad, Timis, Caras-Severin, Mehedinti, Dolj, Olt, and Teleorman, where temperatures are projected to reach 39-41 degrees Celsius, with lows around 23 degrees Celsius and 26 degrees Celsius in the Western Hills.
Severe thermal discomfort is expected, with the temperature-humidity index likely to exceed 80 units.
Bucharest and other regions are under yellow and orange alerts, with average temperatures ranging from 34 to 37 degrees Celsius. Maximum temperatures are expected to reach 38-39 degrees Celsius, with nighttime temperatures around 21-22 degrees Celsius.
As extreme heat can cause the asphalt on roads to soften, making it more susceptible to damage from heavy vehicles, Romania's National Road Infrastructure Administration Company has also introduced tonnage restrictions to cars on national roads, expressways, and highways until Sunday, prohibiting vehicles with a mass of over 7.5 tons from running on roads during high temperatures.
Romania has already experienced spates of extreme heat this summer, with people with heart disease mostly impacted. In Bucharest alone, emergency calls from people suffering heat-related illnesses increased by 20 percent this summer. Doctors have warned that vulnerable people, such as children and the elderly, should avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. ■