BELGRADE, June 24 (Xinhua) -- A heatwave has hit Serbia this week, with temperatures expected to reach 39 degrees Celsius on Thursday, the country's weather service (RHMZ) warned on Tuesday.
Highs of between 32 and 37 degrees Celsius are forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday across most of the country, rising further on Thursday. Belgrade will see a similar pattern, followed by a brief temperature drop and strong northwesterly winds on Friday.
According to the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, hot and dry conditions are expected to persist across Serbia through late July, with minimal rainfall and "tropical nights" during which temperatures remain above 20 degrees Celsius.
The RHMZ also reported severe to extreme drought affecting much of the country, raising concerns for agriculture due to low soil moisture and ongoing rainfall shortages.
The Auto-Moto Association of Serbia has urged drivers to avoid long-distance travel during peak heat, while health authorities are advising caution for those with cardiovascular and neurological conditions, as these may be aggravated by high temperatures.
The current heatwave is Serbia's first significant hot spell of the summer, in line with seasonal forecasts predicting a warmer and drier-than-average July and August. ■
