One killed by lightning as severe storms sweep across country

Vehicles Should Not Be Parked On Dry Grass In response to ongoing extreme weather conditions, authorities in Slovenia have issued warnings urging caution due to heightened fire risks. The country has been experiencing record-high temperatures, with some areas reaching up to 36 degrees Celsius, accompanied by strong winds. These conditions have led to increased danger of wildfires, particularly in natural environments. Authorities, including the City Council of Maribor, have emphasized the importance of vigilance and responsible behavior among visitors and residents of natural areas. They warn that even minor carelessness can lead to fires that spread rapidly due to dry vegetation and wind. Specific precautions include avoiding open flames, discarding cigarette stubs, and being cautious with objects that could ignite. Vehicles should not be parked on dry grass or other surfaces where hot parts of vehicles might cause ignition. Local police in Nova Gorica have received multiple reports from citizens regarding suspected illegal activities that could pose a fire hazard. While these reports were investigated, none confirmed the presence of actual fire hazards. From July 8th to the present, police have received 47 fire-related reports, 27 of which concerned potential wildfires in natural areas, while others involved different types of fires such as waste bins or vehicle fires. The Slovenian Environmental Agency (Arso) has declared a high level of fire risk in natural areas across several municipalities, including Koper, Sežana, Divača, Hrpelje-Kozina, Komen, Nova Gorica, Miren-Kostanjevica, and Renče-Vogrsko. In other regions, a moderate fire risk has been declared. The agency warns that a spark could quickly ignite a fire, which would spread rapidly through trees and vegetation. Firefighters face significant challenges in controlling such fires, requiring substantial effort and resources. Despite recent rainfall in some northern regions, much of Slovenia remains under drought conditions. The National Institute for Meteorology reports that over the past 30 days, temperatures have consistently exceeded average levels, contributing to widespread water shortages. Rainfall in the last week has slightly improved conditions in the north, but southern regions have worsened, especially in the east. Some areas, such as Gorenjsko, Notranjsko, Dolenjsko, Ljubljana, and Spodnje Posavske, continue to experience severe drought, with precipitation levels ranging from 60 to 85 millimeters. Other regions report very dry conditions, with less than 50 millimeters of rain. Meteorologists predict that heavy rains will begin later this week, following a period of sunny and warm weather. However, the extent and timing of these rains remain uncertain. The weather forecast indicates that while some relief may come, the overall situation remains challenging. Temperatures are expected to remain high, with daytime highs ranging from 26 to 32 degrees Celsius, though they may drop slightly after the passage of a weather front. Firefighters across the country have responded to numerous small wildfires, primarily in rural and natural areas. Reports indicate that fires have occurred in fields, forests, and near residential areas. In Nova Gorica, firefighters extinguished a fire covering approximately 5,000 square meters of natural area. Similar incidents have been recorded in other regions, including Hrpelje-Kozina, Sežana, and Ravne na Koroškem. Fires involving vehicles have also been reported in areas such as Blagovica, Puconci, and Spodnje Gruškovje. The Slovenian Environmental Agency continues to monitor the situation closely, advising the public to exercise caution and report any signs of smoke or fire immediately. Authorities urge individuals to avoid using open flames and to take all necessary precautions to prevent accidental fires. With continued dry conditions and high temperatures, the risk of wildfires remains elevated, and emergency services are prepared to respond swiftly to any incidents.