Croatia on Monday probably experienced the hottest day of the year, as meteorologists had warned that temperatures in many parts of the country could reach up to 40 degrees Celsius.
Due to the heat the Zagreb ambulance service has had up to 20 percent more interventions, mostly due to people experiencing faintness, weakness and problems with chronically ill patients, the service's director Zrinka Jurak told the media on Monday.
She added that problems were being experienced by people of all ages, but most people treated were the elderly.
Jurak called on citizens to avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary during the hottest part of the day between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and to be sure to drink plenty of liquids.
According to the State Meteorological and Hydrological Service, the temperature in Zagreb at 3 p.m. reached 38 degrees Celsius, making it one of the hottest cities in the country along with Slavonski Brod, Sisak, Osijek, Nova Gradiska, Krapina and Zupanja.
The temperature gauge reached 38 degrees Celsius in the eastern city of Osijek too and animals in the local zoo were experiencing difficulties in the heat just like people.
According to Osijek Zoo keeper Denis Vedlina, most animals, including those originating from Africa, were withdrawing into the shade to avoid the heat and were drinking much more than usual and eating less.
"It is interesting to watch the animals and how they act similarly to people, coming out in the early morning hours and withdrawing into the shade after 10 a.m., only to come out again after 7 p.m.," Vedlina said.
