Balkan Countries Wilt in Fierce Heat Wave

Croatia's Ministry of Health and the meteorological office has again issued warnings to locals as the country braces for another week of extreme weather.

Another heatwave is on its way with temperatures in central Croatia and Dalmatia expected to reach close to 40 degrees and experts say people need to take care in the dangerously high temperatures.

Media also reported that there will not be much respite once the sun sets either with temperatures not expected to fall below 25 degrees all night. The Ministry of Health advises people to avoid going out from 10am to 5pm, drink plenty of fluids and avoid strenuous physical work.

It is a similar story Montenegro, where, starting from Friday, temperatures reached 40 degrees, a record temperature for this time of year in many places.

The Ministry of Interior issued a statement on Thursday, warning that extremely hot weather was increasing the risk of fires, especially in the area of the capital, Podgorica, the nearby town of Danilovgrad and on the coast.

One road in the north was closed for traffic after a fire caused a landslide.

While doctors are advising people to stay out of the heat, beaches on the coast were crowded during the weekend - in contrast to the scenes in inland towns where streets remained empty.

The extremely hot weather will last until the middle of the week, when the Hydrometerogical  Institute forecasts a slight fall in temperature.

In Bosnia, too, the heat wave has swept the country with temperatures also tipping 40 degrees in the past few days.

Visegrad was listed as the hottest town in Europe on Sunday with 42 degrees. The country's Hydrometeorological Institute issued a "red alert", which is the highest level of warning, for Banja Luka and Visegrad.

Analysis from the Institute predict a very warm month, with temperatures well above the average. Temperatures are expected to decrease on July 8.

In Serbia, maximum temperatures in many parts have reached 38 degrees. Extremely high temperatures are expected in the coming days, the Serbian Hydrometeorological Institute has stated.

Macedonia's authorities also advise people to take precautions as the temperature hit 40 degrees in some places.

To avoid fatalities, the government has urged people to avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun. The Red Cross in Skopje started giving away bottles of fresh water to pedestrians.

The national Crisis Management Centre also warns of an increased risk of wildfires that usually sweep the country during the summer.

Kosovo is the one oasis in the region. Syle Tahirsylaj, head of Kosovo's Hidero-Meteorological Institute, told Balkan Insight that temperatures will not go higher than 34 degree Celsius.

"This is logical, because Kosovo is rich in mountains and they protect and maintain the cool temperature," Tahirsylaj explained.