Croatia Braces for Intense Heatwave, Health Risks Rise

The news in Croatian

1. val  (m.)
   Pokret ili niz pokreta vodene površine; metaforički, nagli porast nečega. ↩︎
2. vrućina  (f.)
   Stanje ili osobina nečega što je vrlo toplo; visoka temperatura zraka. ↩︎
3. temperatura  (f.)
   Stupanj topline ili hladnoće nečega, obično izražen u stupnjevima. ↩︎
4. meteorolog  (m.)
   Stručnjak koji se bavi proučavanjem meteorologije i vremenskim prognozama. ↩︎
5. upozoravati
   Obavještavati nekoga o nečem važnom ili opasnom; davati upozorenje. ↩︎
6. preporučiti
   Savjetovati ili predlagati nekome da nešto učini zbog koristi ili dobra rezultata. ↩︎

Translation

Text comprehension

Question 1: What is the recommended action to stay safe during the heatwave?

Question 2: Who should be especially careful because of the heat?

Vocabulary

Croatian	English
val  (m.)	wave
vrućina  (f.)	heat
temperatura  (f.)	temperature
meteorolog  (m.)	meteorologists
upozoravati	warn
preporučiti	recommend

Read the full story

After a brief respite of cooler days, Croatia is gearing up for a significant heatwave starting this weekend. The State Hydrometeorological Institute (DHMZ) has issued a weather alert for much of the country, with Sunday and Monday expected to bring the most intense conditions. Specifically, the Rijeka region will be under a red alert due to temperatures forecasted to exceed 36 degrees Celsius. Knin and interior regions might see temperatures approaching the 40-degree mark at the start of next week.

Meteorologist Zoran Vakula cautioned that this heatwave is unusual for this time of August and could have serious health impacts. He noted that while such temperatures have occasionally occurred historically, they are becoming more frequent with climate change. The north Adriatic will face strong bora winds, potentially disrupting transport, while the rest of the nation will battle persisting heat and warm nights.

On Saturday, Slavonia, Baranja, and Srijem regions will experience sunnier and hotter conditions than Friday, with peak temperatures around 35 degrees. Though mornings remain relatively cool, central Croatia will see temperatures reaching 34 to 35 degrees, accompanied by weak breezes. Similar weather patterns are expected in mountainous and north Adriatic regions, where winds will pick up during the day, offering slight relief from the heat.

As the weekend progresses, Dalmatians in both coastal and inland areas should brace for extreme heat, with higher health risks. The nights will remain warm, and sea conditions are expected to be slightly to moderately wavy. The southern Adriatic will mirror these conditions, maintaining a stable and clear atmosphere.

By Sunday, the heat will intensify further, presenting significant risks to public health across many inland areas. While Monday might introduce some cloud cover and moderate the temperatures slightly, particularly in northern regions, the interior of Dalmatia will continue to face the utmost heat danger. The continuing clear skies along the Adriatic will contribute to not only hot days but also increasingly warm nights, heightening the risk of heat-related health issues.

The Croatian Institute of Public Health has issued health advisories, stressing the risks associated with prolonged exposure to high temperatures, which have led to increased mortality across Europe, including Croatia. Vulnerable groups, namely those over 65 and individuals with chronic health conditions, are advised to take extra precautions. Residents are urged to avoid direct sunlight during peak hours, stay hydrated, and consume light meals. Traditional caffeinated, alcoholic, and sugary beverages should be avoided.

Authorities warn of potential heatstrokes, reiterating the critical need for timely medical intervention. There are two types of heatstroke: classic, affecting the elderly and immobile, and exertional, seen in healthy, active individuals. Both can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly.

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