Heatwave: DHMZ Issues Red Alert for Four Regions
Temperatures to reach up to 40 degrees, hospitals report increased admissions. Director of Sveti Duh Clinical Hospital Edvard Galić warns chronic patients not to alter their therapy on their own.
Temperatures to reach up to 40 degrees, hospitals report increased admissions. Director of Sveti Duh Clinical Hospital Edvard Galić warns chronic patients not to alter their therapy on their own.
Croatia is gripped by a severe heatwave that shows no signs of easing even in early August. The State Hydrometeorological Institute (DHMZ) has issued a red alert for Sunday, August 2, 2026, for four regions due to extremely high temperatures expected to climb up to 40 degrees Celsius, while the director of Sveti Duh Clinical Hospital, Edvard Galić, urges citizens, especially chronic patients, to exercise necessary caution.
According to the DHMZ forecast, as reported by Tportal, most of the country will experience sunny and very hot weather. Maximum daily temperatures will range between 33 and 39 degrees, potentially reaching 40 degrees in the interior of Dalmatia. Dalmacija News reports that a true heatwave is expected across most of the country, with temperatures up to 39 degrees.
As Dubrovnik Insider notes, Dalmatia and Dubrovnik are bracing for another heat surge with temperatures up to 38 degrees, with a change in weather only expected towards the end of next week. Eastern Croatia will see temperatures between 36 and 38 degrees, central regions 35 to 36, and the western part of the country 32 to 37 degrees. In the far south, temperatures will range from 33 to 38 degrees.
DHMZ has issued the highest level of warning due to dangerous heat. The red alert, indicating extremely dangerous weather, has been declared for the Knin, Rijeka, Split, and Dubrovnik regions. In the Knin region, temperatures are expected to exceed 38 degrees; in the Rijeka area, over 36; in the Split region, above 35; and in the Dubrovnik region, more than 34 degrees, according to Tportal.
An orange warning is in effect for the Osijek, Zagreb, and Karlovac regions, where temperatures will surpass 36 and 37 degrees, respectively. A yellow warning has been issued for the Gospić region, with expected temperatures above 32 degrees. In addition to the heat, warnings are also in place for strong winds. In the Velebit Channel, gusts of bura are expected up to 95 kilometers per hour, while on the western coast of Istria, Kvarner, and Kvarnerić, wind gusts could reach 75 kilometers per hour.
Due to extreme heat, Tportal warns of possible disruptions in traffic, electricity supply, and the operation of other public systems. Biometeorological conditions will be unfavorable, and the heat may cause pronounced thermal stress, especially in weather-sensitive individuals and chronic patients, who are advised to take their therapy regularly and follow medical instructions.
The heatwave is also filling hospitals. Edvard Galić, director of Sveti Duh Clinical Hospital, speaking to HRT's Dnevnik, as reported by Index.hr, highlighted that the admission rate has increased in recent days due to dehydration, dizziness, fainting, and elevated blood pressure.
He made a special appeal to chronic patients. "We advise them during this time to measure their blood pressure and body weight more frequently, monitor the color and amount of urine, and if certain symptoms appear, to contact their doctor," Galić said for HRT.
He emphasized that patients must not change their prescribed therapy on their own. "They should absolutely not alter their therapy because self-initiated changes can be more dangerous than the heat itself. Indeed, during these hot days, there may be a need to adjust the dosage, especially when using diuretics or blood pressure medications. However, they must not change it themselves; they should consult a doctor who will determine the appropriate dose," he urged.
Galić also addressed the consumption of alcohol and energy drinks. "Alcohol actually amplifies everything and acts similarly to heat. It works as a diuretic, dehydrating the body and dilating blood vessels. In a way, this can lead to a drop in blood pressure," he explained.
Regarding energy drinks, he stressed extra caution. "Personally, I would say they are more dangerous when the body is exposed to greater, more intense physical exertion and heat. So, be careful with energy drinks," he said. The director also offered advice on using air conditioning, emphasizing that the room temperature should not be too low. "The biggest problem is entering a heavily cooled space because it can put additional strain on the heart. My recommendation is to adapt. When going outside, it might be good to spend some time in a hallway area that is not as air-conditioned, and only then step out," he advised.
DHMZ warns that the heatwave will continue into the beginning of the week. Citizens are advised to drink plenty of fluids, eat light meals, protect themselves from UV radiation, and avoid being outdoors during the hottest part of the day.
