Nijemci "gore" na rekordnim temperaturama: Policija izašla na ulice i zalijevala ljude vodom

The extreme heatwave sweeping across Europe has reached Bosnia and Herzegovina, bringing record-breaking temperatures and triggering severe weather warnings. The situation has escalated rapidly, with three regions—Banja Luka, Prijedor, and Višegrad—placed under a red-level meteorological alert due to forecasted temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius. These conditions have prompted urgent safety advisories urging residents to take precautions, protect vulnerable individuals, and prepare for potential infrastructure disruptions. Meanwhile, other parts of the country remain under an orange alert, indicating dangerously high temperatures but not yet at the level of immediate danger.

This intense heatwave is part of a broader pattern affecting much of the continent. In Germany, temperatures hit a new historical record on Sunday, with a station near the Polish border in eastern Brandenburg registering 41.7 degrees Celsius around 4 pm local time. The Czech Republic also set a new two-day temperature record, measuring 41.1 degrees Celsius in Doksany, north of Prague. Poland followed suit, recording its all-time highest temperature of 40.5 degrees Celsius in the town of Slubice. These extreme readings underscore the severity of the current weather event, which is moving eastward toward the Balkan Peninsula.

The impact of this heatwave extends beyond just rising temperatures. Health officials warn of increased mortality rates linked to the extreme heat, particularly among the elderly. According to the World Health Organization’s director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, over 1,300 additional deaths have been recorded in Europe since June 21 due to high temperatures. He described the phenomenon as “the silent killer,” emphasizing that many European homes, workplaces, and schools were not designed to withstand such conditions. In France, the national health ministry reported approximately 1,000 more deaths than usual since Wednesday, with a significant rise in fatalities among those over 65 years old. Many of these deaths occurred at home, highlighting the vulnerability of older populations during prolonged periods of extreme heat.

In response to the crisis, authorities in some countries have taken proactive measures. In Germany, police officers have ventured onto city streets to spray water on crowds, offering temporary relief from the scorching heat. This effort was aimed at cooling public spaces such as Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, Potsdamer Platz, and the Reichstag building, where both locals and tourists gathered to enjoy the unexpected respite. Despite the efforts, the situation remains dire, with temperatures remaining consistently high throughout the day and night. According to preliminary data from the German Meteorological Service, the previous night was the warmest in Germany since records began, with temperatures in Kubschütz, eastern Saxony, staying above 29.4 degrees Celsius. On Saturday, a daytime maximum of 41.5 degrees Celsius was recorded in Möckern-Drewitz, Saxony-Anhalt, while the weekend is expected to mark the peak of the heatwave.

Looking ahead, the German weather service predicts continued extreme heat, with temperatures between 37 and 41 degrees Celsius expected throughout the day and into the night. Thunderstorms triggered by the heat could bring heavy rain, hail, and strong winds in certain areas. While nighttime temperatures will drop significantly, ranging between 19 and 23 degrees Celsius, the overall trend suggests that the heatwave will persist for several days. Residents are advised to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and monitor for signs of heat exhaustion or dehydration, especially among children and the elderly.

As the heatwave continues to affect large portions of Europe, the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina remains critical. With the red-level alerts in place and the potential for infrastructure failures, local authorities must work swiftly to ensure public safety and provide adequate support to those most at risk. The ongoing crisis serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat posed by climate change and the need for greater preparedness in the face of increasingly frequent and severe weather events.