After Tuesday's peak heat with temperatures up to 39°C, inland Croatia will feel the first relief as early as Wednesday. The Adriatic will have to wait until Friday for the temperature drop, and nights will finally become more comfortable for sleeping.
After a string of scorching hot days with temperatures approaching 40 degrees in some parts of the country, the long-awaited relief is finally on its way. However, it won't hit all of Croatia at once-inland residents will feel it as early as midweek, while Dalmatia and the islands will have to wait a few more days for the mercury to drop.
According to the forecast from the State Hydrometeorological Institute (DHMZ), Tuesday, August 11, will be the peak of the heat wave. Maximum daily temperatures will range between 34 and 39 degrees, with heat warnings remaining in effect across several regions. It will be especially uncomfortable along the Adriatic, where high daytime values are compounded by exceptionally warm nights.
The first noticeable change inland is expected as early as Wednesday, August 12. The DHMZ's automated seven-day forecast for Zagreb Maksimir predicts a drastic drop-from around 34 degrees on Tuesday to 29.7 degrees on Wednesday and 29.4 on Thursday. By Friday, temperatures should hover around 30 degrees. This means the maximum daily temperature could fall by four to five degrees in just 24 hours.
A similar scenario is expected in Lika. In Gospić, after approximately 34 degrees on Tuesday, Wednesday will see around 31 degrees, and Thursday 30. An even more pronounced difference will be felt during the night and morning-on Thursday and Friday, temperatures in Gospić could drop to as low as around 11 degrees.
The eastern part of the country won't be an exception either. After the mercury hits around 38 degrees in Osijek on Tuesday, Wednesday is expected to bring approximately 33 degrees, and Thursday around 32 degrees.
Dalmatia and the islands will need to be patient for a few more days. According to the latest model run from DHMZ, Split will still record a sweltering 38 degrees on Wednesday, around 35.7 on Thursday, followed by a more pronounced drop-to approximately 32 degrees on Friday and 31.5 on the Feast of the Assumption, August 15. For Sunday, August 16, the current model predicts around 29 degrees.
An even more significant change is expected in nighttime temperatures. After a muggy night into Wednesday with values around 30 degrees, by Saturday night the minimum in Split could drop to a pleasant 20 degrees.
In its official outlook for the period from August 12 to 14, DHMZ announces a gradual temperature drop, but the weather will remain mostly sunny. A classic summer front with widespread thunderstorms is not expected; instead, a push of slightly fresher air will move in. Local afternoon showers are most likely in the Dalmatian hinterland. At sea, a moderate to strong bura wind will pick up, with gale-force gusts under Velebit, which should gradually weaken.
Although the temperature drop will bring much-needed relief, it may be short-lived inland. The DHMZ automated model for Zagreb already predicts nearly 34 degrees again for Sunday, and just over 34 degrees for Monday, August 17. Along the Adriatic, according to current calculations, lower temperatures should persist a bit longer. For a more precise forecast beyond August 17, it's still too early-models can significantly shift the position of cooler air in that time range.
