North Macedonia has banned access to forests until August 31 to prevent forest fires, amid a heatwave with temperatures soaring to 41 degrees Celsius.

North Macedonia's Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has decreed a general ban on traveling in forests and mountains until August 31 as a precaution against a new heat wave. Citizens can only access forests with written permits and fines for violators range from €1,500 to €2,000. Extreme temperatures are forecast in the region, including in Kosovo and Albania, where up to 41 degrees Celsius are expected.