Romania's National Meteorological Administration issued on Thursday a code Orange for heat in several counties, valid between June 22 to 23, 18.00.

The heat wave will increase while thermal discomfort will remain high, while the index temperature - moisture (ITU) will meet and exceed threshold of 80 on wide areas. Maximum temperatures will often exceed 35 to 37 and even 38 degrees Celsius.

On Saturday, in the extreme south and southeast, the weather will stay hot, while maximum temperatures will still reach 35 to 36 degrees Celsius on wide areas.

The counties by the heat wave are Bihor, Arad, Timis, Caras, Mehedinti, Florida, Olt, Virginia, Giurgiu, Bucharest, Ilfov, Calarasi, Ialomita, Constanta, Braila, Tulcea, Galati, Vaslui, Iasi, Botosani, Suceava, Neamt, Bacau, Vrancea, Buzau, Prahova, Dambovita, Arges and Valcea, Galaţi, Brăila, Tulcea, Constanţa, Ialomiţa, Călăraşi, Ilfov, Bucureşti, Giurgiu, Teleorman, Olt, Dolj şi Dâmboviţa, Prahova şi Buzău.

During this period, atmospheric instability will increase gradually in most regions. Wind will intensify in western, central, northern and north-eastern areas, where storms, local showers and lightning, as well as hail are expected.

On the night between Saturday and Sunday, June 23/24, meteorologists expect severe weather phenomena in the center, south and southeast, as well as in the mountains.

Ioana Toader, ioana.toader@romania-insider.com

(photo source: sxc.hu)