DHMZ issues highest alert level for the entire country. The scorching heat will persist until Thursday, with a change in weather expected from Friday, bringing rain, thunderstorms, and a significant drop in temperature.
Croatia is today, August 5, 2026, at the peak of a heat wave that has painted the entire country red. The State Hydrometeorological Institute (DHMZ) has issued the highest alert level due to extremely high temperatures, which will reach up to 39 degrees Celsius in the eastern part of the country.
According to the forecast by DHMZ meteorologist Krunoslav Mikec, published by HRT, Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day will be sunny and very hot. From midday, moderate cloud development is possible in the mountainous region of Croatia and the interior of Istria and Dalmatia, with brief showers possible locally.
The highest daytime temperatures are expected in eastern Croatia, where the mercury will reach between 37 and 39 degrees. The rest of the country won't be much more comfortable. In central and western regions, temperatures will range from 36 to 38 degrees, while in the mountainous region and the northern Adriatic, they will be between 33 and 38 degrees.
Similar heat is expected in Dalmatia and its hinterland, with daytime highs from 33 to 38 degrees. Slightly lower, but still very hot, temperatures are forecast for the far south of the country, ranging from 32 to 37 degrees. Morning temperatures on the coast and islands will be between 20 and 25 degrees, and in the far south from 21 to 26 degrees.
Thursday, August 6, will not bring relief. It will remain sunny and very hot, with daytime temperatures rising further to between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius. Mornings inland will be slightly cooler, with temperatures from 16 to 21 degrees, while at the sea they will range from 22 to 27 degrees.
However, the first signs of change may appear as early as Thursday. Afternoon showers accompanied by thunderstorms are expected in the interior of Istria and Gorski Kotar, heralding the arrival of the long-awaited refreshment.
The weather change is on the horizon for Friday, August 7. According to DHMZ forecasts, it will be more changeable with more clouds, rain, and thunderstorms. Locally, more intense showers are possible, especially inland. Temperatures will drop significantly, bringing relief after the multi-day heat wave.
Along with the temperature drop, a moderate to strong north and northeast wind will blow on Friday, with gusts possibly reaching gale force in some places. The Adriatic will experience the bura wind. On Saturday, August 8, the wind will weaken, and at the sea it will turn to a northwest wind. In the northern Adriatic, variable cloudiness is expected with the possibility of local showers and thunderstorms, while Dalmatia will remain mostly sunny.
