Romania declares red heat alert for 16 counties, temperatures to reach 41°C as wave expands nationwide

Heat warning levels

Romania is under a sweeping heat wave, with the National Meteorological Administration (ANM) issuing a three-tier warning system from Sunday morning. A red code covers 16 counties: Arad, Bihor, Satu Mare, Sălaj, Cluj, Alba, Hunedoara, Maramureș, Bistrița-Năsăud, Mureș, Sibiu, Harghita, Covasna, Brașov, Suceava and Botoșani. These areas face extreme maximum temperatures comparable to absolute June records. A separate orange code covers Banat, Oltenia, most of Muntenia and Moldova, while a yellow code is in force for Dobrogea and southeastern Muntenia until Monday morning.

The red code warning remains active from Sunday 10:00 to Monday 10:00. From Monday 10:00 until Wednesday 10:00, the red alert expands to almost the entire country. Only six counties (Buzău, Brăila, Ialomița, Călărași, Tulcea and Constanța) will stay under an orange warning, while the rest of Romania moves to red.

Temperatures and heat index

Daytime highs in the red zone range between 35 and 38°C, rising towards 39–40°C in Maramureș, Crișana and northwestern Transylvania. Orange-code regions expect 34–38°C, with the highest values in Banat. Yellow areas will see 30–34°C, still posing a heightened risk. The heat-humidity index (ITU) will surpass the critical 80-unit threshold across all warned regions. Nights will be tropical, with minima generally between 17 and 25°C, and 23–24°C along the Black Sea coast and in the Danube Delta.

For Bucharest and Ilfov county, an orange code applies Sunday, followed by a red code from Monday 10:00 to Wednesday 10:00. Maximum temperatures may hit 41°C in the capital, according to forecasts.

Emergency measures

Authorities have activated additional preventive steps. Traffic restrictions for heavy vehicles are in force on several roads and motorways to reduce heat-related risks. ISU București-Ilfov, the capital's emergency inspectorate, has set up hydration and first-aid points in high-traffic areas.

Among the measures established, we mention the setting up of hydration and first aid points for citizens in high-traffic areas.

Public recommendations include wearing light, loose-fitting clothing, hats and sunglasses, drinking 1.5–2 litres of water or natural fruit juices daily, avoiding caffeine and sugary drinks, and refraining from alcohol. Children and pets must not be left alone in parked cars. Further guidance is available on the national preparedness platform fiipregatit.ro.

Timeline

The successive warnings mark one of the earliest severe heat spells of summer 2026. Authorities stress that the measures aim to prevent heatstroke, dehydration and other health risks during what forecasters describe as an intense and persistent hot spell.