The Hydrometeorological Institute of Kosovo announces that on Friday the weather will be sunny and partly cloudy, mainly clouds may appear around the mountain relief.

According to the institute, the minimum temperatures will move between 15-19 degrees Celsius, while the maximum of the day is expected to move between 32-37 degrees Celsius. Wind will blow from the southwest at a speed of 1-4 m/s.

"The UV index will be very high, about 60 hours of sunshine are expected, so be careful of direct contact with the sun's rays," the announcement states. 

It is further said that people with chronic diseases should avoid these rays, or wear protective measures, glasses, hats, light-colored clothes.

In the communiqué, special care is also requested from the traffic participants, as according to IHMK, this hot weather causes discomfort, weakens the driving reflexes, and in special cases they can also lose control. Frequent consumption of fresh water is advisable.

Meanwhile, the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo has given some advice and recommendations to protect yourself from heat and high temperatures.

The heat wave that is expected to dominate in the coming days may negatively affect the health and well-being of citizens and especially vulnerable groups.

Prolonged periods of high temperatures during the day and night create accumulated stress on the human body and increase the risk of illness and death from heat exposure.

“The body's inability to regulate core temperature and eliminate heat build-up during high temperatures increases the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The strain placed on the body as it tries to cool down also stresses the heart and kidneys. As a result, extreme heat can worsen the health status of people who have chronic diseases (cardiovascular, mental, respiratory and diabetes-related diseases) and cause rapid kidney damage," the announcement states.

Advice and practical interventions at the individual level, but also at the level of the community and institutions, can save lives.

What actions should be taken to protect yourself from the heat?

Keep away from heat

Avoid going outside and doing strenuous activities during the hottest time of the day.

Stay in the shade. Remember that perceived temperatures in the sun can be 10-15 ˚C higher.

Spend 2-3 hours during the day in a cool place.

Be aware of the risk.

Stay informed of official warnings about high temperatures.

Keep your home cool

Use the night air to cool your home by opening windows in the evening when the outside temperature is lower than the inside.

During the day when outside temperatures are higher than inside, close the windows and cover them with curtains or materials that prevent direct sunlight from entering.

Turn off as many electrical devices as possible.

Use electric fans only when temperatures are below 40 ˚C.

If you use air conditioning, set the thermostat to 27˚C and switch on an electric fan - this will make the room feel 4˚C cooler. It can also save up to 70% on your cooling electricity bill.

Remember that it can be cooler outside in the shade.

Keep your body cool and hydrated

Wear light and loose clothing, mostly cotton.

Take a cool shower or bath.

Wet your skin using a damp cloth, spray or light wet clothing.

Drink water regularly (1 glass of water per hour and at least 2-3 liters per day).

Reach out regularly to vulnerable people in your area – especially people over 65 and those with heart, lung or kidney disease, a disability and who live alone.

Protect babies and children

Never leave children or animals in parked vehicles for any length of time, as temperatures can quickly rise dangerously high.

Avoid direct exposure to the sun during peak hours (11:00-17:00), seeking shade or staying indoors.

Shade can reduce the heat you feel by more than 10 °C.

Never cover a pram / pram with dry cloth – this makes it hotter inside the pram. Instead, use a damp, thin cloth and re-moisten as needed to reduce the temperature.

Dress children in light, loose clothing that covers their skin and use wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect them from the sun's rays.

Follow the guidelines for keeping your home cool to maintain a safe indoor temperature.