The strongest heatwave of this summer peaks today and tomorrow, with red warnings also in effect in Croatia. A slight temperature drop follows from Friday, but real relief comes only at the end of August.
The Republic Hydrometeorological Institute of Serbia (RHMZ) has issued a red weather alert for the entire country for August 5 and 6, 2026, warning of "particularly dangerous weather phenomena" that could threaten the safety of people and animals and cause significant material damage. The peak of the heatwave, with temperatures reaching up to 42 degrees, is expected precisely during these two days.
According to N1 Serbia, the hottest conditions will be in Central Europe, the Pannonian Plain, and the northwestern Balkans. All of Hungary, most of Serbia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina are under the highest level of high-temperature warnings. In Serbia, maximum daily temperatures range from 35 to 40 degrees, with up to 40 degrees expected in Bačka and the northern parts of Banat and Srem. Morning temperatures in Serbia on Wednesday ranged from 12 degrees in the southwest and southeast to 23 degrees in Belgrade.
Meteorologist Ivan Ristić told Kurir.rs that this is the last but also the strongest heatwave of the year. "Until August 8, maximum temperatures will reach up to 42 degrees, while in Belgrade it will be around 41. Special caution is needed due to UV radiation. If you are directly exposed to the sun, the feels-like temperature can be five to ten degrees higher. If it's 41 degrees in the shade, on direct sunlight or in a car, the temperature can reach up to 48 degrees," Ristić warned. He also emphasized that after this wave, he does not expect longer periods with temperatures above 35 degrees, and he announced more significant cooling and normalization of weather only for the third decade of August 2026.
Although a slight temperature drop with conditions for local showers and thunderstorms is expected from Friday, August 7, 2026, the respite will not last long. Maximum temperatures over the weekend (August 8 and 9) in most places will be up to 35 degrees. From Monday, August 10, 2026, warming is expected again, especially pronounced in the southern Adriatic, reports N1 Serbia.
Extreme heat poses a serious health risk, and doctors urge caution. Dr. Tijana Petrović, a specialist in internal medicine, told Kurir.rs when it is necessary to seek medical help. "If during or after exposure to heat you experience severe headache, elevated body temperature, nausea and vomiting, pronounced weakness or muscle cramps, chest pain, and difficulty breathing, you should see a doctor," said Dr. Petrović.
The Institute of Public Health of Serbia "Dr Milan Jovanović Batut" also warned of broader consequences. "A serious deviation of microclimatic and ambient conditions from those in the thermal comfort zone represents an increased likelihood of severe manifestations of heat stress, such as heat rash, heat edema, heat syncope, cramps, exhaustion, and heatstroke," the Institute stated in a press release.
Experts recommend avoiding outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., and regular fluid intake, specifically one glass of water every 20 minutes. Symptoms such as heat edema, i.e., swelling of the hands and feet, usually subside after one to two days spent in a cooler environment.
