Authorities in North Macedonia urge people to take care amid unusually high June temperatures
North Macedonia is suffering unusually high temperatures for June
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Authorities in North Macedonia are urging people to stay indoors when possible and avoid heavy labor in the hottest hours of the day, as the country swelters under unusually high June temperatures.
The heat exceeded 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in several parts of the small, landlocked Balkan country on Thursday.
Authorities on Wednesday imposed emergency measures through Sunday, after which the heat is expected to relent. These include ordering employers to keep pregnant women and people aged over 60 off work, banning construction work from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and keeping kindergarten classes indoors after 1 p.m.
Health officials on Thursday also reported a rise in calls to emergency responders due to heat-related health problems.
Rihad Rexhepi, a doctor from the Emergency Center in the capital, Skopje, told The Associated Press that only on Thursday morning his operators received more than 30 calls.
“That's double as many as yesterday, and it is only for half the day," Rexhepi said.
Officials urged people to stay at home during the peak of the heat, wear comfortable clothes and drink plenty of water.
Authorities reported an increase in wildfires, saying 12 were registered nationwide in the past 24 hours. The National Center for Crisis Management also said it had received a lot of complaints from people concerned about seeing snakes in urban centers, including Skopje.
Cooler temperatures are expected from next week.