Romania is experiencing another spell of extreme heat in early August 2026. The National Meteorological Administration (ANM) has issued yellow, orange and red weather warnings, and temperatures could reach 39–40°C in the country’s western counties.
The heatwave is particularly intense in Crișana, Banat and the north-west, but is expected to gradually extend towards the south and east of the country. The general weather advisory is valid from 10:00 on 2 August until 10:00 on 6 August, although the forecast indicates that heatwave conditions will continue locally after that date.
Red heat warning in three counties
The most severe weather conditions are forecast in the following counties:
- Satu Mare
- Bihor
- Arad
These counties are under a red warning, valid from 10:00 on 2 August until 10:00 on 4 August.
Maximum temperatures of around 37–38°C are forecast in Satu Mare County, while values in Bihor and Arad could reach 39–40°C.
ANM warns that temperatures could be comparable with the absolute records recorded in the first ten days of August. Heat stress will be especially severe, while nights will remain tropical, with minimum temperatures of up to 23–25°C.
For more information from ANM, see also Heatwave in Romania: what to do to avoid ending up in hospital. Temperatures of up to 41°C in the coming period, which provides additional details on this subject.
Counties under an orange warning
The orange warning applies to the following counties:
- Timiș
- Hunedoara
- Alba
- Mureș
- Cluj
- Sălaj
- Bistrița-Năsăud
- Maramureș
In these areas, the heatwave will be persistent and intense, with maximum temperatures between 35 and 38°C.
The temperature-humidity index will exceed the critical threshold of 80 units, and tropical nights, with minimum temperatures of 20–24°C, will occur locally. The warning is valid until 10:00 on 4 August.
Which regions are under a yellow warning
The yellow warning for high temperatures affects:
- Moldavia;
- south-western Muntenia;
- western and southern Oltenia;
- southern Banat;
- southern Transylvania.
Maximum temperatures will generally range between 33 and 37°C, with the highest values expected in southern Banat.
These regions will see local heatwave conditions, and the temperature-humidity index may reach the critical threshold of 80 units. In some places, nighttime temperatures will not fall below 20–22°C.
How the heatwave will develop over the next few days
Monday, 3 August
The heatwave will persist in Banat and Crișana and will locally affect Maramureș, Transylvania, Moldavia and Oltenia.
Maximum temperatures will reach 33–40°C, with the highest values forecast in Crișana. Temperatures close to the absolute records for early August may be recorded in this region.
In the other regions, the weather will be hot and locally subject to heatwave conditions, with highs of up to around 35°C in lowland and hilly areas. Values of around 28–31°C are expected along the coast.
In Bucharest, the maximum temperature will be around 34°C, while the temperature-humidity index will reach the critical threshold.
Tuesday, 4 August
From Tuesday, the heatwave will spread to cover virtually the entire country.
Maximum temperatures will range from around 30°C on the northern coast to 40°C in Crișana and northern Banat. Heatwave conditions and heat stress will occur across relatively large areas, especially in lowland regions.
35–36°C is forecast in Bucharest, while the minimum temperature will be around 20°C in the city centre.
Wednesday, 5 August
Wednesday could be one of the hottest days of the episode.
The heatwave will be intense in most regions, with maximum temperatures reaching around 41°C in the Western Plain. Temperatures close to 30°C are forecast along the coast.
In the west, south-west and locally in other regions, the night will be tropical. In the Western Hills, minimum temperatures may remain around 26°C.
In Bucharest, the high will be between 36 and 38°C, while the low will be around 20–21°C.
Thursday, 6 August
The heatwave will remain intense on 6 August.
Maximum temperatures will generally range between 33 and 39°C, with values of around 40–41°C in Crișana and Banat. Temperatures along the coast will be around 30°C.
Tropical nights will occur across relatively large areas, with lows of up to 25–26°C in the Western Hills.
In the capital, temperatures of around 36–38°C will again be recorded, and heat stress will be severe.
When it will start to cool down
The first signs of lower temperatures are forecast for Friday, 7 August, but the heatwave will not disappear immediately.
In most areas, highs will fall towards 33–37°C, but heatwave conditions will persist locally in lowland and hilly regions. At the same time, atmospheric instability will increase, with possible torrential downpours, thunderstorms and stronger winds.
On 8 August, temperatures will fall in the west, centre and north of the country. In the south and east, heatwave conditions may persist, with maximum temperatures of up to 37°C.
For 9 August, ANM expects cooling in most regions. However, the south of the country may still experience heatwave conditions, and heat stress will remain high.
From 10 to 13 August, temperatures are expected to generally approach seasonal norms, with variations from day to day and from region to region.
How long the heatwave will last
According to the forecast available on 2 August, the episode can be divided into three stages:
- 2–3 August: extreme heat, particularly in the west, north-west, centre and south-west of the country;
- 4–6 August: the heatwave spreads and intensifies across almost all regions;
- 7–9 August: gradual cooling in the west, centre and north, but heat persists in the south and east.
Therefore, the intense heatwave will last at least until 6 August, while heatwave conditions may continue locally until 8–9 August, particularly in southern and eastern Romania.
More noticeable cooling nationwide is estimated from around 9–10 August, although forecasts may change as the period approaches.
Bucharest to see temperatures of up to 38°C
In the capital, temperatures will rise gradually in the first part of the week:
- 3 August: around 34°C;
- 4 August: 35–36°C;
- 5 August: 36–38°C;
- 6 August: 36–38°C;
- 7 August: around 35°C;
- 8 and 9 August: around 37°C.
Nights will become tropical, with minimum temperatures potentially remaining above 20°C in the city centre.
Although a temporary drop in temperature is possible on 7 August, the heatwave and heat stress will continue in Bucharest until at least 9 August. Periods of atmospheric instability, torrential downpours and thunderstorms are also forecast.
Why 30°C on the coast can be hard to bear
Along the coast, forecast temperatures are lower than in the west and south of the country, generally ranging from 27–31°C.
However, high humidity can increase the perceived temperature and heat stress. Nights may be tropical, with minimum temperatures above 20°C, reducing the ability of both the body and homes to cool down.
What exceeding the critical ITU threshold means
The temperature-humidity index, abbreviated ITU, expresses the discomfort experienced based on air temperature and atmospheric humidity.
When the ITU reaches or exceeds 80 units, heat stress is considered severe. During the current episode, the threshold will be exceeded in numerous areas, especially in lowland regions.
How to protect yourself during a heatwave
On days of extreme temperatures, it is recommended to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, especially during peak hours. Intense physical activity should be limited, and water intake should be kept consistent.
Particular attention should be paid to young children, older people, pregnant women and people with cardiovascular, respiratory or metabolic conditions.
The National Institute of Public Health recommends avoiding the heat and maintaining adequate hydration, suggesting that adults drink approximately two litres of water per day as general guidance, adjusted according to their health condition and their doctor’s recommendations.
Warnings may be updated
The warnings currently in force are valid until 10:00 on 4 August, while the general heatwave advisory is valid until 10:00 on 6 August.
ANM states that the alerts may be updated depending on the development and intensity of the phenomena. The areas covered by the warnings and their colour codes may be changed over the coming days.
Western and north-western Romania are the most affected areas at the beginning of August 2026, with Satu Mare, Bihor and Arad counties under a red warning for extreme temperatures.
From 4 August, the heatwave will spread to almost the entire country. The highest temperatures, of up to 40–41°C, are forecast in the Western Plain.
The intense heatwave will continue until at least 6 August. Afterwards, temperatures will begin to fall in the west, centre and north, but heatwave conditions may persist in southern and eastern Romania until around 9 August.
Frequently asked questions
Which counties are under a red heat warning?
Satu Mare, Bihor and Arad counties are under a red warning until 10:00 on 4 August 2026.
Where will the highest temperatures be recorded?
The highest temperatures are forecast in Crișana and Banat, particularly in Bihor and Arad counties and in the Western Plain. Highs could reach 40–41°C.
How long will the August 2026 heatwave last?
The intense episode will continue until at least 6 August. Locally, heatwave conditions and heat stress may persist until 8–9 August, especially in the south and east of the country.
When will the weather cool down?
Lower temperatures are forecast from 7 August in some regions. Cooling is expected to become more widespread around 9–10 August.
How hot will it be in Bucharest?
Highs of 34°C are forecast in Bucharest on 3 August, rising to as much as 36–38°C on 5–6 August. The heatwave may continue until 9 August.
