Heat wave hits Balkan, one fatality

Heat wave hits Balkan, one fatalityBelgrade/Zagreb/Pristina/Sofia - A heat wave hit the Balkans Friday, causing one fatality in western Serbia amid extremely high temperatures in cities across the region.

Temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius were reported in several towns in Serbia on Thursday, but unofficial measurements in downtown Belgrade showed a high of 44 degrees. Meteorologists expect temperatures of around 42 degrees on Friday.

One elderly man succumbed to the heat in Sabac, 50 kilometres west of Belgrade. The Serbian Ministry of Labour recommended that people who work outdoors do not go out between 11 am and 4 pm local time.

Serbia's emergency services warned of fire danger and also noted a shortage of firefighters, due to low pay, which averages around 570 dollars a month.

In neighboring Croatia, temperatures are expected to rise to up to 40 degrees Celsius Friday, with meteorologists reporting morning temperatures in coastal cities around
30 degrees. A similar situation was expected in Bosnia.

In Albania, meteorologists warned that Friday will be the hottest day of the year, with temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius. Similar temperatures were reported in Kosovo.

Record high temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius are also expected in the southern parts of Bulgaria, where elderly and chronically ill people were advised to stay home and drink more water than usual.

Experts say that the heat wave will move out of the Balkans during the weekend, with temperatures returning to around 30 degrees.(dpa)