On 6 August, a heatwave is forecast for Ukraine: in most regions, temperatures will reach 35–38°, and in some places they may approach +40°. The Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Centre has forecast mainly dry weather with variable winds of 3–8 m/s. Localised thunderstorms are possible in the west and north in the evening; the heat is expected to ease from 7–8 August.
Briefly about the main points
- Temperatures of up to +38° are forecast for a number of towns and cities on 6 August.
- In the evening, there may be brief showers and thunderstorms in the west and north.
- On 7 August, rainfall will also affect the Vinnytsia and Cherkasy regions.
- During the hottest part of the day, it is advisable to avoid the sun and physical exertion.
- On 8–9 August, temperatures will fall in most regions.
Where temperatures will reach their highest levels
Temperatures of up to +38° are forecast for Kyiv, Lutsk, Rivne, Ternopil, Ivano-Frankivsk, Uzhhorod, Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr and Chernihiv. Similar highs are possible in Kropyvnytskyi, Kherson, Mykolaiv and Zaporizhzhia.
In Lviv, Chernivtsi and Sumy, temperatures could reach +37°. In Kharkiv, Dnipro, Cherkasy and Khmelnytskyi, temperatures are forecast to reach up to +36°, whilst in Odesa and Poltava they are expected to reach up to +35°. For the Kyiv region, the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Centre forecasts temperatures of 35–37°.
Thunderstorms will begin this evening and spread over the next few days
Most of the day will be dry weather, although towards the evening, there may be brief showers and thunderstorms in some parts of the western and northern regions.
On 7 August, rainfall is forecast for the western and northern regions, as well as in the Vinnytsia and Cherkasy regions. The following day, rain accompanied by thunderstorms is expected to affect most of the country; in some places, heavy rainfall, hail and gusts of wind of 15–20 m/s are possible.
How to reduce the risk of overheating
The Public Health Centre recommends avoiding being outdoors and undertaking strenuous physical activity between approximately 11.00 and 16.00, unless absolutely necessary. It is advised to drink water regularly and in small amounts, without waiting until you are very thirsty.
It is advisable to wear light, loose-fitting clothing, a hat and sun protection, and to stay in the shade or in a cool room. It is recommended to keep windows covered with curtains or blinds during the day, and to ventilate your home in the evening and at night. You should avoid sugary drinks, excessive caffeine and alcohol.
Children and animals must not be left in a parked car, even for a short time. People whose fluid intake has been restricted by a doctor due to a chronic illness should follow their individual advice.
Signs of heatstroke and when to expect the temperature to drop
Severe thirst, weakness, headache, dizziness, nausea, excessive sweating or cramps may be signs of heatstroke. Move the person to a cool place, remove any excess clothing, cool their skin with water and give them small sips of water. If they do not feel better within 30 minutes, seek medical assistance.
Confusion, impaired coordination, loss of consciousness or a body temperature above +40° require you to call the emergency services immediately on 103 or 112. On 7 August, a fresher air mass will begin to move into the western regions, bringing cooler weather to the Zhytomyr and Vinnytsia regions.
On 8 August, temperatures will fall by 4–6° in most regions, except in the south-east. Between 8 and 9 August, the heatwave is expected to ease across most of Ukraine.
