What it is
RHMZ, the Republic Hydrometeorological Service, is the official body that publishes Serbia's weather forecast, warnings, Meteoalarm, UV index, and FWI fire-weather index. Each indicator has a distinct role. Temperature describes the heat, the warning color shows the danger of an event for a particular region and day, and the UV and fire indices cover separate risks.
Meteoalarm colors
Meteoalarm is a warning map where the color indicates not just temperature, but the danger level of a weather event for a particular region and day. Yellow means potentially dangerous weather and a need to follow the forecast; orange means dangerous weather that can disrupt normal life; red means very dangerous weather with risk to health, property, and infrastructure. A red warning calls for especially close attention to the region, valid hours, and type of hazard.
July 21 warning
Serbia's Interior Ministry Emergency Situations Sector issued a red warning for July 21 covering southern parts of the Zlatibor, Moravica, and Raška districts, Kosovo and Metohija, and the Toplica, Jablanica, and Pčinja districts. Rapidly intensifying thunderstorm systems, hail over 5 cm, and wind gusts above 100 km/h were forecast in the southwest, south, and southeast. For current risk, always check the date, place, and validity period of the latest RHMZ warning.
UV index and sun
The UV index measures risk from ultraviolet radiation, not air temperature. On June 29, local outlet 021.rs reported that Novi Sad's UV index would reach 8, a very high level. At that level, people should drink water, protect their skin, wear light clothing, a hat, and sunglasses, and take breaks in the shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is especially important for children, older people, people with chronic health conditions, and anyone working or waiting for transport outdoors.
Fire risk and roads
RHMZ's heat warning separately linked the weather to outdoor-fire risk, especially where soil was dry and there had been no recent rain. For drivers, heat also becomes part of the route: AMSS advised avoiding travel in the hottest part of the day and taking more frequent breaks if a trip is necessary; drivers should also watch for vehicle overheating. For long trips, the relevant details are not only degrees, but also congestion, toll-station waits, and the vehicle's condition.
Outdoor work
Heat also affects how work is organized. On June 29, the Ministry of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure urged construction employers and workers to apply safety measures during high temperatures. When temperatures exceed 36 °C, especially from 11:00 to 16:00, employers are advised to reduce heat exposure, provide more frequent breaks, enough water and non-alcoholic drinks, and a place protected from direct sunlight.
Why it matters
For residents, warnings turn a forecast into a practical daily plan: when to leave home, whether to drive between cities in the hottest part of the day, whether to move exercise, and how to protect children, older people, and people with chronic conditions. A Meteoalarm color is useful only together with the region, valid period, and type of hazard.
How to check the day's risk
Before going out or travelling, check the date, your region, the warning's valid hours, and the type of hazard. For strong sun or dry weather, also check the UV and fire indices; drivers may also find AMSS and city-service notices useful.