Eastern Europe: Heat warnings across parts of the region June 9-11

Officials have issued several high-temperature warnings for Eastern Europe June 9-11. Warnings are in place in the following locations:

• Kosovo: Nationwide orange warning June 9 through early June 10.
• Romania: An orange warning is in effect for several southern regions, including the cities of Bucharest, Craiova, and Ploiesti, from June 9 through early June 11.
• Serbia: An orange warning is in effect for several southern regions, including the city of Nis, from June 9 through early June 10.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

The extended period of very high temperatures and dry conditions may increase the potential for wildfires throughout the region. Heatwaves pose a health threat to vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with respiratory illnesses, due to the increased possibility of heat stroke or heat exhaustion during prolonged exposure to high temperatures. These risks could also extend to relatively healthy individuals during significant heatwave events. In addition to significantly impacting athletes and those who work outdoors, high temperatures can cause problems for people using mass transit. Some passengers may require hospitalization for dehydration due to the lack of air conditioning and cramped vehicles during rush hour.

Overheated vehicles could prompt traffic disruptions in urban areas where congestion is already a problem. Commercial trucking disruptions might occur, as very high temperatures put more stress on vehicles and make tire blowouts more common. Major flight disruptions are unlikely at regional airports, but general aviation disruptions are possible, and some airfreight carriers could reduce cargo loads. High temperatures could lead to an increased demand for electricity, which might trigger localized brownouts or blackouts, exacerbating hazardous conditions when air conditioning is no longer possible.