As Croatia continues to grapple with a heatwave, meteorologists announce a significant cool-down by the end of next week. Alongside the heat, storm-force bura wind warnings are in effect.
Croatia is enduring yet another day of unbearable heat today, Wednesday, August 12, 2026. Along the Adriatic coast, the mercury will locally approach 40°C, while inland temperatures will be somewhat more bearable, with daytime highs between 30 and 33°C. According to forecasts, this marks the peak of the heatwave, after which a long-awaited cool-down is expected.
According to data from the Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ), the highest daytime temperatures on the coast will range from 35 to 39°C. Antena Zadar reports that it will be even hotter by the sea than the previous day, with afternoon values frequently reaching 35°C. The night will offer little relief, as the bura wind will mix the air and prevent a significant temperature drop, keeping overnight lows on the coast between 24 and 29°C.
Only the mountainous regions will see cooler conditions, with morning temperatures around 16°C and daytime highs from 27 to 31°C. In central Croatia, including Zagreb, the night will also be unusually warm, with temperatures not falling below 20°C.
In addition to the oppressive heat, DHMZ has issued wind warnings. The northern Adriatic will experience locally storm-force bura gusts, especially at the foot of Velebit. Antena Zadar relays HRT's warning that the sea will be rough due to the bura, which is familiar to locals but can pose a danger to tourists. The bura will persist along the Adriatic until Friday morning, often strong and locally storm-force.
In Dalmatia, the wind will temporarily weaken in the afternoon and shift to a northwesterly and southwesterly direction. In the interior of this region, as well as in Konavle, there is a possibility of local showers accompanied by thunderstorms.
According to N1 television meteorologist Tea Blažević, the heat will begin to ease from Friday, August 14. The weekend of August 15-16 is expected to be mostly sunny but less hot. However, the real change will arrive during the following week.
"A more significant change is likely during the new week, especially towards its end," Blažević forecasts for Telegram.hr. The cool-down will be noticeable, with temperatures potentially dropping by as much as ten degrees Celsius. Along with the temperature drop, more unstable weather with locally heavy rain is expected. From Thursday to Saturday, according to HRT's forecast relayed by Antena Zadar, inland areas will be less hot, while the mountains will see no heat at all.
In Slavonia, Baranja, and Srijem, it will be cloudier than on the coast today, with some light rain possible. A moderate to strong north and northwest wind will blow. In central Croatia, frequent clouds are expected in the morning, possibly bringing a few drops of rain, but they should clear by evening. A north and northeast wind will contribute to a warm night, but the daytime heat will be less intense than in previous days.
