Rijeka and Knin at 39.2°C, Heatwave to Last at Least Ten More Days
DHMZ issues red warning for Rijeka and Dubrovnik regions, orange for Karlovac. Peak expected over the weekend with even higher temperatures.
DHMZ issues red warning for Rijeka and Dubrovnik regions, orange for Karlovac. Peak expected over the weekend with even higher temperatures.
Croatia is experiencing its third heatwave of the summer, with air temperatures reaching record values. According to data from the State Hydrometeorological Institute (DHMZ), on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 3 PM, temperatures in Rijeka and Knin hit 39.2 degrees Celsius, as reported by Novi list.
A day earlier, on Thursday, Rijeka already recorded 38 degrees, and meteorologists forecast further increases. DHMZ duty meteorologist Danijela Vlašić told Novi list that even hotter weather is expected over the weekend, with temperatures one to two degrees higher than today's. These conditions are approaching the historical records of 40 degrees, recorded in 2007 and twice during 2015.
Vlašić warns that the heatwave will last at least another ten days, i.e., the first ten days of August, with no relief in sight. Particularly concerning is the fact that nights offer no respite. "The heatwave will continue in the coming days. Due to daily air circulation, minimum nighttime temperatures are not dropping below 35 degrees, and air temperatures are falling very slowly during the day, so on Thursday at 7 PM, Rijeka recorded 36 degrees Celsius," Vlašić said for Novi list.
The past July was exceptionally hot. Rijeka recorded as many as 29 hot days, i.e., days when temperatures exceeded 30 degrees. Nighttime temperatures were also unusually high, with minimums not falling below 20 degrees, which meteorologists define as tropical nights.
The sea does not offer significant relief either. Sea temperatures range from 26 to 28 degrees and are expected to rise further. Meteorologist Vlašić advises caution when entering the sea, as temperature differences between air and water are still significant.
Due to extremely dangerous weather conditions, DHMZ has extended the red warning for the Rijeka region for Saturday, August 1. The red meteoalarm is also in effect for the Dubrovnik region. In a DHMZ statement, as reported by Novi list, it is stated: "A red warning indicates extremely dangerous weather conditions that may pose a serious risk to health. The elderly, children, chronic patients, and outdoor workers are particularly vulnerable."
For the Karlovac region, DHMZ has issued an orange warning valid for July 31 and August 1, as reported by Trend Karlovac. Citizens are advised to avoid prolonged sun exposure and strenuous physical activities during the hottest part of the day, to drink plenty of fluids, and to cool their living spaces. Special attention should be given to children, the elderly, the sick, and pets.
