Warnings were issued of a severe heat wave and atmospheric instability across Romania on Wednesday, with Bucharest facing temperatures up to 39 degrees Celsius over the next three days.

From Wednesday until Friday morning, the Romanian capital will experience high thermal discomfort, said the country's National Meteorological Administration (ANM). The temperature-humidity index is set to surpass 80 units.

The heat wave will shift southward on Thursday, with storms affecting the north and the west.

On Wednesday, Code Orange heat warnings were in effect for northern Crisana, Maramures, northwestern and central Transylvania, northeastern Moldova, and southern and central Muntenia.

Additionally, 11 counties in Banat, Crisana, Maramures and Transylvania are under a Code Yellow warning for atmospheric instability until Thursday night. Torrential rain, strong winds, thunderstorms and isolated hail are predicted, with water accumulation possibly exceeding 50 liters per square meter.

The ANM said that the heat wave will continue in southern and southeastern regions through the end of the week, spreading to much of the rest of the country.

Doctors have advised patients with chronic illnesses and the elderly to avoid prolonged sun exposure and limit caffeinated drinks during the heat wave.

(Cover: A municipal worker cools off standing next to a city fountain as temperatures exceeded 39 degrees Celsius in Bucharest, Romania, July 11, 2024. /CFP)