How long will the heat wave last?

The red alert is in effect from Sunday, August 9, through Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

What is the situation in Zagreb and other cities?

For Zagreb, Karlovac, and Gospić, there is no danger on Sunday. A moderate warning has been issued for Monday and Tuesday.

What does the red alert level mean?

The red level indicates a very high risk of a heat wave that could have a serious impact on people's health.

Croatia

Red Alert in Three Croatian Cities: Dangerous Heat Wave on the Way

B.G. · 08. 08. 2026. | 2 min

DHMZ issues highest-level warning for the period from Sunday to Wednesday, with danger looming not only on the Adriatic coast but also inland.

Summary

DHMZ issued a red alert for Rijeka, Split, and Dubrovnik from August 9 to 12, 2026.
The heat wave could have a serious impact on health.
High danger is expected in Knin on Tuesday and Wednesday, while moderate warnings are in place for Zagreb and Osijek at the start of the week.
There are minor discrepancies in media reports about which cities are under the red alert.

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The State Hydrometeorological Institute (DHMZ) issued a warning on Saturday, August 8, 2026, about a very high risk of a heat wave affecting three Croatian cities. The highest, red alert level is in effect for the areas of Rijeka, Split, and Dubrovnik from Sunday, August 9, through Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

According to DHMZ, the expected heat wave could have a serious impact on public health. The warning remains in effect for all four days for the mentioned cities.

Where Is the Situation Most Critical, and Where Is It More Favorable?

While Rijeka, Split, and Dubrovnik are under a red alert, the situation in other parts of the country is somewhat more favorable, but far from worry-free. In the Knin area, moderate danger is expected on Sunday and Monday, but it escalates to high danger on Tuesday and Wednesday.

For Zagreb, Karlovac, and Gospić, there is no danger of a heat wave on Sunday. A moderate warning has been issued for Monday and Tuesday, while critical conditions are not expected again on Wednesday. A similar forecast applies to the Osijek area, where there is no danger on Sunday and Wednesday, and moderate danger on Monday and Tuesday.

According to the DHMZ warning, the highest, red alert level is in effect for all three cities during all four days.

Discrepancies in Sources

Interestingly, there are minor discrepancies in reporting about which cities are covered by the highest warning level. While most sources, including Tportal Vijesti, HRT Vijesti, and Prigorski, list Rijeka, Split, and Dubrovnik, the report from Slobodna Dalmacija mentions only Split and Dubrovnik, without including Rijeka.