ISTANBUL

Serbia on Monday declared a nationwide red alert due to a heatwave originating from Africa, with temperatures forecast to reach up to 42C (107F) by Friday, according to the country’s Hydrometeorological Institute.

The institute said temperatures across the country this week are expected to range between 32C (90F) and 42C (107F).

Citizens are advised to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day.

By Monday morning, temperatures in the capital Belgrade had already soared to 29C (84F).

Serbia’s Interior Ministry also warned that the extreme heat was increasing the risk of wildfires in the coming days and urged the public to exercise caution.

Milos Milenkovic, the deputy director of the Fire and Rescue Units at the Emergency Situations Department, said forest fires rose by 284% in June and July. He added that four fires are currently active in open areas.

He said 15 people had been rescued from fires in previous months caused by high temperatures, stressing that the main cause was “human factor.”