Macedonia in orange phase due to intense heat wave
The country is in an orange phase due to extremely high temperatures; emergency services and water supply show increased activity.
Macedonia has been placed in an orange phase due to a new, intense heat wave; forecasts in many parts of the country predict temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius.
Emergency medical services in almost all cities report an increased number of daily interventions, most often due to fainting and cardiovascular complications. Shtip's ambulance service says their workload has increased by as much as 60 percent on the days with the highest temperatures.
Water consumption and situation in Shtip
With rising temperatures there is also increased water consumption. JP Isar - Shtip announces that average consumption for this period is around 185 l/s or about 16,000 m3 per day. Minimum consumption occurs in the early morning hours around 2–3 a.m. and is about 100 l/s, while the maximum is in the afternoon hours around 6–8 p.m. and reaches up to 260 l/s. JP Isar claims it has sufficient capacity to ensure uninterrupted water supply, but repeats an appeal to citizens for the rational use of drinking water.
Health workers warn chronically ill people to take their regularly prescribed medication and to seek medical help immediately if symptoms of heatstroke or severe exhaustion occur. Cool spaces and fluid intake are not a luxury but basic protection when temperatures approach 40 degrees.
According to forecasts, the heat wave will continue in the coming days, and afternoons will bring conditions for local heavy showers and thunderstorms. Farmers are advised to check their crops and take measures to reduce the effects of high temperatures.
Photo: press material from the event
