Romania is currently experiencing a heatwave, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C in the shade, in some areas of the country.

Temperatures are predicted not to drop below 30°C between now and July 6th and have been consistently above 30°C for the past few days.

The highest temperatures are expected to be in the west of the country, impacting a number of counties, including Cluj-Napoca, where the temperatures in the shade are expected to reach as high as 35°C on Friday, July 1st, 2022.

Unfortunately, it was reported on June 29th, that a 65-year old man collapsed in Satu-Mare, approximately 180km from Cluj. Despite efforts of the ambulance crew, the man unfortunately passed away.

The National Meteorological Administration has issued an “Orange” code between 30th and 1st of July, stating:

On Thursday (June 30) and Friday (July 1), locally in the lowlands of Banat, Transylvania and Moldova the heat wave will be persistent, and temperatures (day and night) will approach the absolute records of the period. In the afternoon, values ​​of 36 … 38 degrees will be frequently recorded, and at night they will not generally fall below 18 … 22 degrees and therefore the thermal discomfort will be accentuated.

Note: maximum temperatures close to the absolute records of the period will be recorded in small areas and in the rest of Transylvania, but the minimum temperatures will be lower than the extreme values.

Staying Safe:

Risks of heat exhaustion and heatstroke are a serious concern, and steps should be taken to limit exposure to extreme temperatures.

Tips for coping with the Hot Weather

• Where possible, stay indoors
• Close blinds and curtains in rooms that face the sun
• If the temperature outside is hotter than inside, consider closing windows and monitor the temperature
• If outdoors, try walking in shaded areas
• Apply protection regularly
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your head and face
• Avoid performing exercise during the hottest parts of the day
• Take water with you when outdoors
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
• Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm

We also recommend looking out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool, especially older people.

When to contact emergency services

Dial 112 if you or someone else exhibit any of the following signs of heatstroke:

• feeling unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place and drinking plenty of water
• a high temperature of 40C or above
• not sweating even while feeling too hot
• feeling confused
• fast breathing or shortness of breath
• a seizure
• loss of consciousness
• not responsive

If the person is unconscious, ensure the place them into the recovery position until help arrives.

Recovery Position

• With the person lying on their back, kneel on the floor at their side.
• Extend the arm nearest you at a right angle to their body with their palm facing up.
• Take their other arm and fold it so the back of their hand rests on the cheek closest to you, and hold it in place.
• Use your free hand to bend the person’s knee farthest from you to a right angle.
• Carefully roll the person onto their side by pulling on the bent knee.
• Their bent arm should be supporting the head, and their extended arm will stop you rolling them too far.
• Make sure their bent leg is at a right angle.
• Open their airway by gently tilting their head back and lifting their chin, and check that nothing is blocking their airway.
• Stay with the person and monitor their condition until help arrives.