- Temperatures will reach up to 35 degrees Celsius in most of Slovakia this afternoon.
- Category 1 storm warnings are in effect for most of the area in the afternoon.
- Children, seniors, pregnant women and the chronically ill are most at risk of heatstroke.
- Hydration, shade, appropriate clothing and caution are key during heat and storms.
In most of Slovakia, the air temperature can rise to 33 to 35 degrees Celsius on Wednesday afternoon. Level 1 and 2 high temperature warnings have been issued. From noon, sometimes in the afternoon, first-degree storm warnings are also issued in most areas. The Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMÚ) informs about this on the website.
The second-degree heat warning applies in the entire Nitra region, also in most of the Trnava, Košice, Trenčia and Bratislava regions, as well as in the districts of Rimavská Sobota and Žarnovica. The first level of warnings is issued in most of the Banskobystrica and Prešov regions, also in the districts of Senica, Skalica, Rožňava, Púchov, Považská Bystrica, Ilava and Malacky. Warnings apply from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thunderstorms should be expected in the entire Banskobystricky, Bratislava, Trenčín, Nitra, Trnava and Žilina regions. Warnings also apply in the districts of Gelnica, Košice, Rožňava, Spišská Nová Ves, Kežmarok, Levoča, Poprad, Prešov, Sabinov and Stará Ľubovňa. In most areas, warnings are issued from 12:00 p.m., in the Nitra, Trnava and Bratislava regions, warnings are issued from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The Office of Public Health (ÚVZ) of the Slovak Republic warns in connection with temperatures that the risk groups of the population include children, the elderly, pregnant women and chronically ill people, especially people with cardiovascular, respiratory or mental diseases or who are overweight. “High external temperatures can cause overheating of the body and health complications – an increase in body temperature, malaise, drowsiness, headaches, dizziness, nausea or vomiting. The extreme case is serious collapse conditions, which can lead, under certain conditions, to the eventual death of people, especially in risk groups,” warns ÚVZ.
According to him, an important principle is consistent adherence to a regular drinking regimen, even if you are not thirsty. Physical activity should also be limited, stay out of direct sunlight and stay outside to a minimum. Paramedics recommend a lighter diet during the heat, proper clothing including head coverings and sunglasses, and the use of protective creams. Children and pets must not be left in direct sunlight or in parked cars. If people experience severe weakness, dizziness, nausea or collapse, they should seek help.
High temperatures and drought significantly increase the risk of fires. During a storm, ÚVZ recommends trying to wait it out in a dry interior and not staying in open spaces, in water, or near open locations of bodies of water and their close surroundings. It is important to move away from tall trees, poles, fences or railings.
Contact with conductive objects, such as metal objects, umbrellas or hiking poles, should also be avoided. “When retreating from a storm, try to take smaller steps and keep your hands close to your body to minimize the risk of step strain. If you are out in the field as a larger group of people, try to spread out to a distance of at least three meters.” added the office on the social network.
