Bulgaria and the entire Balkan Peninsula are bracing for a five-day extreme heat wave with temperatures above 40 degrees. The most intense heat is expected on July 7 and 8, when the thermometer could reach 43 degrees, Meteo Balkans warns.

The cause of the extreme temperatures is a powerful advection of hot and dry air from North Africa, which will settle over Southeast Europe."The thermal ridge will also be accompanied by a ridge of high atmospheric pressure, which will contribute to an even sharper rise in temperatures," meteorologists explain.

The heatwave will cover the entire country, with the flat regions being the hardest hit. It will be particularly severe in Northern Bulgaria and Thrace, where temperatures between 41 and 43 degrees Celsius are expected.

Experts recommend limiting physical activity during the day, drinking plenty of fluids, and avoiding sun exposure during midday hours.

Link to climate change

According to climatologists, such extreme heat waves are becoming more frequent and longer lasting due to global warming. The planet's rising average temperature is making heat waves more likely, earlier, and more intense.

High risk of fires

In recent years, Bulgaria has suffered from serious forest fires, especially in southern and southeastern Bulgaria. In neighboring countries such as Greece and Turkey, the fires have led to evacuations, destruction and even human casualties.

"It is forbidden to light open fires in and around forest areas," the authorities warn. They are monitoring potential outbreaks with drones and satellites and are urging the population to be especially vigilant and to report smoke or fire to 112.

The forecast shows how warm air is transported to a height of 1,500 meters, which confirms the persistence of the heat wave in the air masses over the region.