After the Peak of the Heat, Showers Arrive
Croatia is at the peak of a heat wave with temperatures reaching 40°C, but relief in the form of local showers and a slight drop in temperature is expected as early as Friday, August 7.
Croatia is at the peak of a heat wave with temperatures reaching 40°C, but relief in the form of local showers and a slight drop in temperature is expected as early as Friday, August 7.
Croatia continues to be gripped by a strong heat wave, with air temperatures in the interior exceeding 35°C, while in areas along the Adriatic they climb above 40°C. According to information from Karlovački and Lika Online, citing the DHMZ forecast, the peak of this heat wave is expected precisely these days.
The hottest days will be Wednesday and Thursday, August 5 and 6, 2026. The State Hydrometeorological Institute (DHMZ) forecasts that the highest daily temperatures will mostly range between 34 and 39°C, with locally higher values possible. Forecast author Kristijan Božarov notes that daily values could locally rise to 38 or 39 degrees Celsius, and it is even possible we might touch 40°C. Nighttime temperatures are approaching 20°C.
Due to the exceptionally high temperatures, a very high risk of heat wave is in effect in many regions. Citizens are again advised to avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., when the heat and UV index are strongest, and to increase fluid intake and consume lighter meals.
The first more concrete signs of a weather change are expected on Friday. The DHMZ states that from mid-day, with stronger cloud development, there will be an increased chance of local showers accompanied by thunderstorms in the interior of the country. This should bring at least some easing of the heat.
The seven-day forecast for Zagreb clearly illustrates this: after around 35°C on Thursday, the temperature should drop to approximately 32°C on Friday, and to around 30°C on Saturday. This means a drop in daily temperature of about five degrees compared to the peak of the heat wave. However, it should be noted that this is not abundant and prolonged rain, but rather local instability. There is no confirmation that a more pronounced change will simultaneously affect the Adriatic, where the refreshment will not be felt to a greater extent.
During the weekend, August 8 and 9, temperatures will remain at more bearable levels, around or above 30°C, but will no longer exceed 35°C. The atmosphere will remain unstable, so brief showers are still possible, more likely on Saturday. Already by Sunday, a rise in temperature to around 32°C in Zagreb is forecast, and at the beginning of the next week, a return to mostly sunny weather with temperatures slightly above 30°C is expected, meaning a continuation of drought and heat, but without the extremes seen this week.
According to current forecasts, at the beginning of next week, around August 10 and 11, the weather will be mostly sunny and hot. A new, but currently uncertain, chance for a shower appears only around Wednesday or Thursday, August 12 and 13. Therefore, it is more accurate to speak of a brief easing of extreme heat rather than a true cooling and an end to the summer drought. Those who are just planning their vacation on the Adriatic have no reason for concern for now, as hot summer weather will continue there.
