In Belgrade on Thursday, people defying the scorching heat were looking for relief in Ada Ciganlija lake, fountains and cafes while the Serbian government ordered employers to take care of their outdoor workers during this heatwave.
Meteorologists predict temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) across Serbia this week as hot dry winds from North Africa push through the Balkans.
Health authorities and meteorologists have declared a “red” weather warning and advised people against going out. Belgrade’s emergency services said its doctors had made over 100 interventions overnight, mainly dealing with heart disease and chronic conditions.
The ministry of labour and employment told employers to organize outdoor work so that it does not involve heavy physical labor and direct exposure to sun rays.
“I think this is all due to climate change causing such temperatures,” stated 23-year-old student Vojislav Sumenkovic.
Also next door Montenegro has been urging people to stay out of the sun until late afternoon while thousands of tourists are already crowding Adriatic beaches, including those at Ada Bojana on the border with Albania.
“It’s kind of challenging but we are on water, we’re at beach,” said Kolya, 35 who is visiting from Germany.
Firefighters fought wildfires near Athens which destroyed dozens’ houses forcing them to move after Greek authorities believed that the fires were started by arsonists as well as being caused by hotness.
