Güttler on the Heat Wave Easing: 'No Signals Yet for Severe Storms'
DHMZ Director Ivan Güttler told Nova TV's Dnevnik that a weather change is expected by the end of the week, but warns that some meteorologists are 'quick on the trigger'.
DHMZ Director Ivan Güttler told Nova TV's Dnevnik that a weather change is expected by the end of the week, but warns that some meteorologists are 'quick on the trigger'.
Ivan Güttler, Director of the State Hydrometeorological Institute (DHMZ), appeared on Nova TV's Dnevnik on Monday, August 3, 2026, where he discussed the heat wave affecting Croatia with anchors Valentina Baus and Dino Goleš. He announced that air temperatures between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius will persist at least until the end of the week.
A particular concern, Güttler highlighted, is the exceptionally high nighttime temperatures. In Senj, the minimum temperature over the weekend did not drop below 30 degrees Celsius, significantly above the 20-degree threshold already considered stressful for the body.
"You're absolutely right; in Senj, temperatures didn't drop below 30 degrees. This makes it especially hard for children, the elderly, and the sick to cool down, so we need to pay extra attention to these groups during that part of the day," Güttler said on Nova TV's Dnevnik. He advised citizens to increase fluid intake even at night and to engage in both passive and active cooling methods.
Given the record-low river levels, the anchors asked whether there would be issues with electricity supply. Güttler revealed that he had just received information from HEP before the interview.
"Just before our conversation, we heard from HEP, which sent out a notice and an overview today, indicating that reservoirs are at the planned levels for this time of year. At least as far as Croatia is concerned," he said. He added that difficulties with nuclear power plants in neighboring countries are being monitored, as they face problems not only due to low water levels but also because of high river temperatures.
In parts of Central Europe, even coal-fired power plants are experiencing operational difficulties because low river levels negatively impact the availability of water for energy and drinking, as well as river transport. Güttler specifically commented on Hungary, noting it has the highest share of solar power generation in the world, at nearly 30 percent.
When asked about groundwater levels and whether a single heavy rain could improve them, Güttler explained that these levels, monitored by DHMZ hydrologists, are also on a downward trend. "Unfortunately, one rain event can't help in such situations. It will take a longer period of increased precipitation to replenish the rivers, lakes, and groundwater levels," he said.
Current temperatures, he added, are five to ten degrees higher than usual. "All of Europe, the whole world, and Croatia too, is experiencing this slow but continuous trend of global warming, local warming. We're warming by about a third of a degree every decade," said the DHMZ director.
"This current situation, with drought problems and low water levels, is temporary; it will stabilize over the next few months. Perhaps this time next year we'll be talking about excessively high river levels."
Güttler noted that Croatia has two approaches to addressing the climate crisis. The first is investing in the green transition, shifting to wind and solar energy, and electrifying transport, cooling, and heating. The second is strengthening adaptation systems, from flood and drought defense to fire protection, where significant progress has been made in recent years.
He particularly warned about the vulnerability of urban areas. "Urban areas are especially vulnerable; there's a lot of asphalt and concrete, and we'll need to start rebuilding in line with the new climate," he urged. He advised citizens to follow weather warnings, conserve water, and consider long-term investments in cleaner appliances and vehicles.
Asked about a possible severe storm with hail at the end of the heat wave, Güttler announced that a weather change is expected by the end of the week, with temperatures dropping toward 35 degrees. "Local showers are possible, nothing on a larger scale, but we'll keep monitoring the situation," he said.
He stressed that there are currently no signals for severe storms. "We see that sometimes some meteorologists, our colleagues, are quick on the trigger and issue stronger, more severe warnings. We're monitoring the situation. A weather change-yes, but nothing dramatic for now," Güttler concluded, adding that forecasts can change very quickly from day to day.
