A red alert has been issued for all of Croatia as the country continues to experience a heatwave, with Friday’s temperature reaching 37 degrees Celsius – a level seen in the northeastern area of Slavonia and southern Dalmatia.
There has been little respite at sea. Water temperatures in several areas exceeded 28 degrees Celsius.
According to the National Hydrometeorological Institute, Croatia’s highest-level weather alert was issued on Friday due to abnormally high temperatures.
Heat stroke is now a genuine threat to many people in the Mediterranean country.
According to warnings issued by the Croatian Red Cross, symptoms may include headaches and dizziness, pain, agitation and disorientation, redness, hot and dry skin, a rapid heartbeat, and even loss of consciousness.
The most recent red alert comes as a scorching heat wave brings temperatures in portions of central and southern Europe climbing to 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in some locations.
And there’s been little leisure at sea. Some places experienced water temperatures of 28 degrees Celsius.
From Italy to Romania, authorities cautioned people to be cautious, drive cautiously when on vacation, drink lots of water, and avoid going out during the warmest hours of the day.
As temperatures rose to 38 °C (100 °F) on Thursday, Rome’s municipal officials launched a smartphone app to help people find public water fountains.
Earlier this month, a powerful storm swept the region after days of heat and killed two people, damaged houses while uprooting trees and flooding streets.
Experts say human-induced climate change has brought more and more wild weather swings, increasingly unpredictable storms, and heat waves.
