Temperatures expected above 40°C — Institute of Public Health issues heatwave guidance
Institute of Public Health issues guidance for citizens as the Hydrometeorological Service warns of very high daytime temperatures from August 1 to August 7.
High temperatures are forecast across the country from August 1 to August 7, and the Institute of Public Health has published detailed advice for citizens to reduce heat-related risks.
Practical steps to avoid heat illness
The Institute urged people to avoid direct sun exposure and outdoor activity between 11:00 and 17:00, wear light clothing, use sunglasses and a light-coloured hat, and stay in air-conditioned or shaded indoor spaces. When outdoors during hot hours, frequent rest breaks in the shade are recommended.
On diet and hydration the guidance stresses moderate food intake and avoiding fatty, high-calorie or very sugary foods. Citizens should drink sufficient water and non-carbonated mineral drinks without waiting for thirst, and should avoid alcohol, caffeine-containing beverages and very cold drinks.
Practical tips also include keeping windows and blinds closed during the day and opening them at night when temperatures fall, ventilating a parked vehicle before entering and never leaving anyone inside, taking a lukewarm shower when needed, using cold compresses for cooling and soaking feet in cold water for additional relief.
The Institute listed vulnerable groups who must follow the recommendations carefully: people over 60, pregnant women, children, socially vulnerable persons, outdoor workers and people with chronic conditions such as cardiovascular, neurological, pulmonary and renal diseases, diabetes, mental illness, obesity and those taking medication that increases urine output. It advised patients to continue their regular therapy and to consult their primary care doctor for any health changes.
For signs of heat-related illness the Institute advised immediate steps: if someone feels dizzy, weak, agitated, or has intense thirst and headache, seek help, move to a cooler place as soon as possible and measure body temperature; drink water or a non-carbonated mineral beverage. For painful muscle cramps—commonly in the legs, arms and abdomen—rest in a cool place and consume a fluid containing electrolytes. Medical care is required if heat cramps last longer than one hour.
The Institute emphasised urgent emergency actions for severe cases: "If a family member or a person you assist has hot and dry skin, cramps and/or is unconscious, immediately call 194 or 112, and while waiting for emergency medical services move the person to a cool place, place them flat with their legs raised more than 20 cm, remove clothing, apply external cooling such as cold compresses to the neck, armpits and groin, continuously cool and spray the skin with water, do not administer medication if the person is unconscious, place them in the recovery position. If unusual symptoms/signs appear or persist, consult your doctor," the Institute's recommendations state.
The Hydrometeorological Service (UHMR) forecast said a warm air mass from the south will bring sunny and very hot weather with light to moderate local cloudiness from the extended weekend through the end of next week. Daily maximum temperatures will be above 32°C everywhere and in some places will exceed 40°C; high temperatures are expected to persist into evening and night hours.
Observed daytime readings recorded this afternoon included: Veles 39°C; Vinica, Kavadarci and Demir Kapija 38°C; and Skopje—Petrovec, Skopje—Zajčev Rid, Strumica and Gevgelija 37°C.
Photo: press material from the event
