Heat Dome Over Croatia: Temperatures to Reach 42 Degrees
A prolonged heatwave that has lasted since mid-July brings extreme temperatures, with the highest alert level issued for much of the country. Relief is not expected before Friday.
A prolonged heatwave that has lasted since mid-July brings extreme temperatures, with the highest alert level issued for much of the country. Relief is not expected before Friday.
Croatia is experiencing one of the most intense heatwaves of this summer, and according to the latest forecast maps, the peak of the heat is yet to come. The State Hydrometeorological Institute (DHMZ) has issued a red weather alert for a large part of the country, indicating a very high danger from extremely high temperatures. Today, August 4, 2026, maximum daily air temperatures will range between 34 and 39 degrees Celsius.
The meteorological portal Severe Weather Europe reports that a strong heat dome, which formed in mid-July, is now moving towards Eastern Europe and affecting the Balkans. This phenomenon, explains DHMZ, occurs when an anticyclone with hot air lingers over an area for an extended period, and high pressure further compresses and heats the air near the ground, preventing cloud formation and precipitation. The result is weeks of clear weather with extreme temperatures.
Wednesday brings further deterioration. The core of the hottest air moves over Croatia, Serbia, and Romania. In eastern Croatia and northern Serbia, temperatures could reach as high as 42 degrees. Overnight lows inland will only drop to between 15 and 20 °C, while the Adriatic coast will be noticeably warmer, with temperatures between 22 and 26 °C, creating conditions for so-called tropical nights.
Thursday is forecast to be the hottest day for the northern Balkans and Eastern Europe. Meteorologists predict that temperatures in the heart of the Pannonian Plain could peak at around 43 degrees. Conditions are no better in the lowlands of northern Italy, where values between 40 and 43 degrees are expected. Nighttime relief in major cities will be almost non-existent, with temperatures not falling below 22 to 26 degrees.
DHMZ has issued a clear warning to citizens. "Extremely high temperatures are expected. Protect yourself, children, and the elderly. Follow the advice given by the authorities. Possible disruptions to certain infrastructure may occur," their statement reads. Prolonged exposure to such conditions is particularly dangerous for chronic patients and those working outdoors. Meteorologists advise avoiding prolonged time outdoors during the hottest part of the day, staying well hydrated, and following recommendations for protection against high temperatures. At the same time, the risk of forest fires in southern Europe and the western Balkans is increasing.
Partial relief could arrive on Friday, when a slight drop in temperature is expected in Croatia, especially inland. With stronger cloud development, local thunderstorms are also possible. Meanwhile, the heat will spread further towards the southwestern Balkans, including Bulgaria and Greece, and towards western Russia. However, the respite may be short-lived. Meteorological models indicate the possibility of a new heatwave forming that could affect southwestern, western, and central Europe again early next week.
