(MENAFN) Serbia has issued a nationwide red alert on Monday in response to an intense heatwave originating from Africa, with temperatures predicted to climb as high as 42°C (107°F) by Friday, the country’s Hydrometeorological Institute reported.

The institute forecasts that temperatures will fluctuate between 32°C (90°F) and 42°C (107°F) throughout the nation during the week.

Officials have urged residents to remain indoors during the peak heat hours to avoid health risks.

By Monday morning, the capital city of Belgrade had already experienced a temperature rise to 29°C (84°F).

In addition, Serbia’s Interior Ministry cautioned that the extreme heat significantly raises the likelihood of wildfires in the upcoming days, calling on the public to remain vigilant.

Milos Milenkovic, deputy director of the Fire and Rescue Units at the Emergency Situations Department, revealed that forest fires increased by 284% during June and July. He also noted that four wildfires are currently active in open areas.

He noted that 15 individuals had been rescued from fires in recent months sparked by high temperatures, underscoring that the primary cause was the "human factor."

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