Lithuania is facing record-breaking June temperatures, with a night-time high of 24.1°C recorded in Ventė, Šilutė district. Forecasters predict heatwaves may continue until Thursday, with temperatures potentially reaching 32°C. This extreme weather has strained public transport cooling systems and led to a surge in emergency medical calls.
Why is public transport cooling failing?
According to Arnas Misiūnas, Judumo paslaugų organizavimo padalinio vadovas at JUDU, more than 80 percent of the capital’s transport is cooled. Passengers can verify the cooling status of vehicles via information displays.
Misiūnas stated that high outdoor temperatures create physical challenges for the systems. He noted that equipment failures occur when cooling systems work at full capacity under these extreme conditions.
What is being done about uncooled trains?
“Lietuvos geležinkeliai” confirmed that ten older trains in their fleet currently lack air conditioning. Domantas Grigas, Traukinių techninės priežiūros vadovas at LTG Link, said the company is reducing ticket sales for these specific trains to limit passenger numbers.
Grigas added that staff are also opening windows while trains are stationary or moving to provide ventilation. Marius Markevičius, chairman of the Public Transport Passengers Association, questioned if the cooling issues are limited only to those without air conditioning or if existing systems are also failing.
“Lietuvos geležinkeliai” has identified ten older trains in its fleet that do not have air conditioning systems installed.
How is the heat impacting public health?
The General Emergency Center received more than 18,000 calls during the record heat weekend. Additionally, emergency medical services were passed over 4,000 reports.
Linas Darginavičius, Kauno klinikų skubios pagalbos skyriaus vadovas, reported patients presenting with dehydration, dizziness, sunburn, and suspected strokes or cardiovascular issues. He noted that some patients failed to consume enough water.
Medical professionals state that the heat is most dangerous for those over 65, individuals with heart disease, and children under four years old.
The simultaneous reports of mechanical cooling failures in urban transit and the presence of uncooled rail cars highlight a systemic vulnerability during extreme weather. As temperatures approach 32°C, the physical strain on infrastructure may lead to increased service disruptions and heightened health risks for the most vulnerable populations.
How are festivals managing the heat?
At the Students’ Song Festival, organizers are implementing heat safety measures. Ieva Krivickaitė, Moksleivių dainų šventės komunikacijos vadovė, said dance rehearsals are limited to one hour per group.
Dancers are instructed to rest in the shade between sessions. Red Cross volunteers are monitoring the rehearsals, and water stations have been provided for students.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hot will temperatures reach this week?
Sinoptikai predict temperatures could reach up to 32°C in some areas until Thursday.
What percentage of JUDU transport is cooled?
According to the company, more than 80 percent of the transport is cooled.
Who is most vulnerable to the heat?
Medical professionals state that the heat is most dangerous for those over 65, children under four, and individuals with heart disease.
How are you staying cool during this record-breaking heatwave?