Romania will be under a yellow alert for very high temperatures, heatwave conditions and significant thermal discomfort on Saturday, September 5, 2026. The alert will be in force from 10am to 9pm and covers 31 counties, as well as the Municipality of Bucharest.
For further information on heatwaves, see Yellow alert for torrential rain, storms and heatwave conditions in Romania – What we need to know and how to protect ourselves, which provides additional details on the subject.
Highs of 30–36 degrees Celsius are forecast in the affected areas, with the highest values expected in Banat and Oltenia. Thermal discomfort will increase particularly around midday and during the afternoon, when the temperature-humidity index, known as ITU, will be around the critical threshold of 80 units.
Where the September 5 yellow heatwave alert applies
The alert applies to Banat, Oltenia, Muntenia, Dobrogea, most of Moldavia, southern Crișana and southern Transylvania. According to information issued on the basis of the ANM warning, the following counties are included:
- Alba;
- Arad;
- Argeș;
- Bacău;
- Brăila;
- Brașov;
- Buzău;
- Călărași;
- Caraș-Severin;
- Constanța;
- Covasna;
- Dâmbovița;
- Dolj;
- Galați;
- Giurgiu;
- Gorj;
- Hunedoara;
- Ialomița;
- Iași;
- Ilfov;
- Mehedinți;
- Neamț;
- Olt;
- Prahova;
- Sibiu;
- Teleorman;
- Timiș;
- Tulcea;
- Vâlcea;
- Vaslui;
- Vrancea;
- the Municipality of Bucharest.
In Constanța County, for example, the County Committee for Emergency Situations said that the alert is in force over the same period, from 10am to 9pm. In Dobrogea, maximum temperatures are generally estimated at between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius, with potentially somewhat lower local values in the Delta area.
What ITU around the critical threshold of 80 means
The temperature-humidity index (ITU) indicates how the body perceives heat in relation to air temperature and humidity. A value of 80 units is considered the critical threshold for thermal discomfort. In other words, a day does not necessarily have to reach 40 degrees to be difficult to bear: humidity, a lack of wind and direct exposure to the sun can make the heat more oppressive.
In this context, the important point is the time period. The alert is active from 10am to 9pm, but the most demanding hours for travel, physical work or outdoor sports are generally around midday and in the early afternoon.
Expected temperatures
Forecast highs in the area covered by the alert range from 30 to 36 degrees Celsius. The highest temperatures are expected in Banat and Oltenia. In Bucharest, the forecast points to a heatwave day, with values of around 34–35 degrees and significant thermal discomfort in the afternoon.
The distinction between “very high temperatures” and “heatwave conditions” is important. The alert does not say that the same maximum value will be reached in every locality or that the phenomenon will have the same intensity in every county. The term “locally, heatwave conditions” indicates that specific thresholds may be exceeded in certain areas, while in the rest of the region the heat will nevertheless remain significant for early September.
Useful steps for Saturday, September 5
Travel and outdoor activities
- Schedule longer journeys for the morning or evening, if possible.
- Take water with you and drink regularly, not only when you feel thirsty.
- Choose light, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing; protect your head from the sun.
- Reduce strenuous physical effort, especially around midday.
- Take breaks in the shade or in cool spaces if you are working or waiting outside for extended periods.
The recommendations of the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations for heatwave periods emphasise avoiding travel and strenuous activities between 11am and 6pm. If going out is necessary, shaded routes and breaks in cool spaces can reduce direct exposure to the heat.
Children, older people and those with chronic conditions
Young children, older people and people with cardiovascular, respiratory, kidney or metabolic conditions may find high temperatures harder to tolerate. Check that they have water at hand, that their home is ventilated and that they avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. Never leave children or pets in parked cars, even for short periods.
If severe dizziness, faintness, nausea, intense headaches, confusion, very hot skin or a worsening general condition occur, the person should be moved to a cool place and medical advice should be sought. In emergencies, call 112. For a more extensive explanation of how the body reacts to high temperatures, see the guide on how heatwaves affect the body.
Drivers and travellers
Before setting off, drivers should have enough water in the car, check the technical levels recommended by the manufacturer and avoid leaving the vehicle in the sun without protection where possible. In a stationary car, the cabin temperature rises quickly. If you are due to fly, it is useful to follow your airline’s notifications and know air passenger rights in the event of delays or cancellations.
Home and electricity use
Keep blinds, curtains or shutters closed on the sunny side of the home, and ventilate early in the morning or in the evening, when it is cooler outside. Air conditioners can increase consumption during hot hours; balanced use and limiting additional sources of heat in the home can help. More simple measures are explained in the article on reducing your energy bill without major investment.
No open flames near dry vegetation
High temperatures and dry conditions increase the risk of vegetation fires. Firefighters recommend exercising the utmost caution with open flames, lit cigarettes and work that may produce sparks near crops, dry vegetation, forests or combustible materials. Barbecues should be held only in designated and supervised areas.
The yellow alert is valid only on Saturday, September 5, from 10am to 9pm. Weather warnings may be updated depending on how conditions develop, so people planning long journeys, outdoor events or agricultural work are advised to check ANM messages before setting off.
Frequently asked questions
When is the yellow heatwave alert valid on September 5, 2026?
The alert is valid on Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 10am to 9pm.
Which counties are covered by the yellow heatwave alert?
The alert covers 31 counties in Banat, Oltenia, Muntenia, Dobrogea, most of Moldavia, southern Crișana and southern Transylvania, as well as the Municipality of Bucharest. The full list is included in the article.
What temperatures are expected in the areas under alert?
Maximum temperatures of between 30 and 36 degrees Celsius are forecast. The highest values are expected in Banat and Oltenia.
What does an ITU of around 80 mean?
ITU is the temperature-humidity index. Around the threshold of 80 units, heat and humidity can cause significant thermal discomfort, especially around midday and in the afternoon.
What should I do if I feel unwell because of the heat?
Go to a cool place, avoid exertion, drink water if the person is conscious and seek medical advice. For severe symptoms or a worsening condition, call 112.
