Hungary, Romania: High temperatures forecast to persist across both countries through at least Aug. 21 /update 3

High temperatures are forecast to persist across much of Hungary and Romania through at least Aug. 21. Over the coming days, Maximum temperatures of up to around 39 C (102 F) are possible across parts of the region.

The meteorological services for the respective countries have issued the following heat-related warnings across the region Aug. 19:

• Red high-temperature warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Bekes County in Hungary and Arad and Timis counties in Romania.

• Orange high-temperature warnings: Baranya, Bacs-Kiskun, Csongrad-Csanad, Hajdu-Bihar, Jasz-Nagykun-Szolnok, Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg, and Tolna counties in Hungary and across southern and western and parts of northeastern and west-central Romania.

• Yellow high-temperature warnings: Across the rest of Hungary not under red or orange warnings with the exception of some western regions and across the rest of Romania not under red or orange warnings with the exception of far southeastern regions.

Further red, orange, and yellow warnings are in place across much of Romania Aug. 20 and ornage and yellow warnings are in place across parts of Hungary Aug. 20-21. Officials could update and extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

The high temperatures may result in increased energy and water demand and a heightened risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

The extended period of oppressive heat and dry conditions may produce ideal circumstances for wildfire growth throughout the region. Heatwaves also threaten 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 health risks could also extend to relatively healthy individuals during significant heatwave events.

Very high temperatures may warp rail tracks and force passenger and freight trains to operate at reduced speeds. Road surface damage is also possible, and overheated vehicles may worsen traffic problems in urban areas where congestion is already a problem. Commercial trucking disruptions might occur as very high temperatures stress vehicles, making tire blowouts more common. Major flight disruptions are unlikely, 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.