In July, Kosovo has been hit by scorching and unbearable weather, with temperatures that are expected to reach up to 40°C  the following days.

In the capital, the maximum temperature reached  37°C on Tuesday, while the maximum of the day was recorded in Prizren, with 39°C.

According to the Hydro-Meteorological Institute of Kosovo, July is projected to be one of the hottest months in recent years. 

More problematic than the high temperatures for single days, is expected to be the increase of the average temperature, scientists warn. During July, the average maximum temperature in Kosovo reached 31.2°C , according to the Accuweather data, the highest average in the last six years at least.

“The Ultraviolet Index remains high, so citizens are urged to respect the recommendations of the Institute,” warns the Hydro-Meteorological Institute.

As a result of such high heat, coping with the situation may pose challenges, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, infants, pregnant women, and individuals with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, kidney, and respiratory conditions.

The effects of heat on health are cumulative, and the body only starts to recover when the temperature drops below 27°C, according to the National Library of Medicine.

The Public Health Institute of Kosovo has listed recommendations for these vulnerable groups, advising them to avoid going outside between 10 am and 5 pm, when temperatures are high, and to consume plenty of fluids.

As the planet has heated, hotter-than-usual spells have become more intense and now last on average about 24 hours longer than they did 60 years ago, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

After heavy rainfall in June and early July, the Hydro-Meteorological Institute had announced that starting from July 7, Kosovo would be affected by hot air masses originating from North Africa.

At the end of June, heavy rainfalls caused serious damages in parts of Kosovo, where two people died from floods in the city of Peja and many houses, fields and industrial parts got destroyed. 

Due to the high temperatures in the country, citizens are mobilizing to cope with the situation.

The Municipality of Prishtina, in collaboration with the Fire Brigade, has placed water tanks in “Skënderbeu” Square. The purpose of placing these tanks is to refresh the citizens so that they can better endure these very hot days.

Temperatures in Europe are about 10-15°C hotter than usual, report the Guardian.

The heat has complicated efforts to contain fires, putting extra strain on firefighters, who have to wear hefty gear and carry heavy equipment in searing conditions. 

Especially the Mediterranean countries are suffering consequences of extreme weather conditions. More than 40 people have died in Algeria, Italy and Greece and thousands have been evacuated as Mediterranean wildfires threaten villages and holiday resorts, BBC reported. 

Evacuation efforts are underway in Greece, where uncontrolled fires are ravaging coastal towns near the capital of Athens.

Red weather alerts have been issued across Europe; wildfires are raging in Croatia, on the Adriatic coast, and in Navarra in Spain; while tourist targets such as the Acropolis have been closed as temperatures have soared into the forties.

The PM of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, said on Monday that the Government of Kosovo is ready to help Greece after the fires.