Romania issues first heatwave warnings of summer, temperatures to hit 36°C

Heatwave warnings issued

The National Meteorological Administration (ANM) has issued its first yellow code heatwave alerts of the summer. The warnings cover broad swathes of western and central Romania through Monday evening. On Saturday, the alert runs from 12:00 to 21:00, affecting 14 counties including Arad, Timiș, Bihor, Cluj, and Sibiu. Maximum temperatures are forecast between 30 and 34°C, with the highest values in the Western Plain, where the temperature-humidity index may locally reach the critical 80-unit threshold.

“On Saturday (20 June) in Crișana, Banat, Maramureș, west and central Transylvania and west Oltenia, temperatures will be unusually high for this date. Maximum temperatures will be between 30 and 34 degrees, with the highest values in the Western Plain.”

Peak heat on Sunday

The heat will intensify and spread on Sunday, 21 June. ANM has extended the yellow code to 18 counties, adding Dolj, Gorj, Olt, and Vâlcea in the south. Temperatures will climb to 36°C in the west and southwest, with widespread thermal discomfort. The humidity-temperature index will exceed 80 units across these areas.

“Maximum temperatures will range between 31 and 36 degrees, with the highest values in the west and southwest, where it will be locally scorching, with accentuated thermal discomfort, and the temperature-humidity index will reach and slightly exceed the critical threshold of 80 units.”

2026-06-20

34 °C

2026-06-21

36 °C

2026-06-22

34 °C

Data from the article text

Thunderstorm threat

Alongside the heat, instability is expected to bring severe weather. From Sunday afternoon through Monday, the west and the Western and Southern Carpathians could see torrential downpours, lightning, and wind gusts of 40–60 km/h, with isolated gales and small to medium hail. On Tuesday, the instability shifts to the south, centre, and northeast. Rainfall totals may reach 15–20 litres per square metre, and locally exceed 30 l/m². Mountainous areas are at particular risk of flash flooding.

Bucharest forecast

The capital stays outside the yellow code zones but will still feel the heat. Saturday brings variable skies, a high of 30–32°C, and a chance of light afternoon showers (1–4 l/m²). Sunday and Monday remain warm and dry, with highs of 30–32°C and 31–33°C respectively, and rising thermal discomfort.

By Monday evening, the warnings will shrink to Crișana, Maramureș, and most of Transylvania, with temperatures dropping slightly to 30–34°C, though humidity will keep the discomfort level high.