The second heatwave of the year shows no signs of easing, with the peak expected on Thursday, the Feast of Oluja. Relief in the form of showers, thunderstorms, and the bura and tramontana winds on the Adriatic arrives by the end of the week.
Croatia remains in the grip of a severe heatwave, with temperatures nearing an unbearable 40°C. The State Hydrometeorological Institute (DHMZ) has issued a red weather alert for the entire country for Wednesday, August 5, 2026, warning citizens of extreme heat and potential infrastructure failures.
"Extremely high temperatures are expected. Protect yourself, children, and the elderly. Follow the advice given by the authorities. Failures in some infrastructure are possible," DHMZ states in its warning.
According to meteorologist Dorian Ribarić's forecast for Net.hr, the peak of this heat surge could occur on Thursday, August 6, on the very day of Oluja. In central and northwestern Croatia, temperatures are expected to range from 37 to 38°C today, with local highs up to 39°C. In Slavonia, Baranja, and Srijem, thermometers will show up to 38°C, and in some places 39°C.
Conditions will be somewhat more bearable on the coast. In Dalmatia, temperatures near the sea are expected around 34°C, but in the Zagora hinterland, they could reach 39°C. On the northern Adriatic, forecasts range from 33 to 37°C.
Relief from the oppressive heat is expected from Friday, August 7. On the mainland, temperatures are set to drop, for instance, from 36 or 37°C to a more pleasant 30°C, but with unstable weather. Showers, thunderstorms, and locally severe weather are possible. However, meteorologists warn that this will not be a proper rainy episode that would more permanently break the drought.
From Saturday, August 8, temperatures will be more typical for the season. On the Adriatic, the bura and tramontana winds will blow intermittently, bringing refreshment, especially in the northern part. Despite this, longer-term models indicate that the heat could persist until the Assumption of Mary, August 15, with an increased chance of local thunderstorms and, in some places, hail.
Until Friday, isolated afternoon showers will mainly occur in Gorski Kotar, Lika, and the interior of Istria and Dalmatia. The rest of the country will see sunny and scorching weather. Morning temperatures will offer little respite, ranging from 15 to 20°C inland and 22 to 26°C along the coast.
