Heat Dome Over Croatia: Heat Dangerous for Health
Meteorologists warn of high and very high heat-related danger. Dalmatia could reach 40°C, with relief only expected late next week.
Meteorologists warn of high and very high heat-related danger. Dalmatia could reach 40°C, with relief only expected late next week.
Croatia remains under the influence of extreme heat, with meteorologists warning that the health impact of the heat will be high and very high. According to the forecast reported by Antena Zadar, after record temperatures on the last day of July, sunny and uncomfortably hot weather continued on August 1, 2026, with no real change expected before the end of next week.
The prolonged and intense heat is caused by a meteorological phenomenon known as a heat dome. As JUGInfo explains, a heat dome forms when a strong high-pressure system lingers over an area for an extended period. The high pressure 'traps' hot air near the ground and compresses it, further heating it. In the upper atmosphere, an Omega block develops, and its persistence allows extreme heat to last for days or even weeks.
Although the term was popularized by American media to describe heat waves in North America, it is increasingly used in Europe as well. JUGInfo emphasizes that not every heat wave is caused by a heat dome, but climate change is making such periods of extreme heat more frequent, intense, and longer-lasting.
According to data published by Antena Zadar, eastern Croatia will see sunny and very hot weather. The minimum temperature will be around 18°C, with highs between 36 and 38°C. In the middle of the day, a moderate southeast and east wind will bring only slight relief.
In central regions, it will also be sunny, with temperatures reaching 35 or 36°C during the hottest part of the day. Mornings will be warmer, around 20°C, as a moderate northeast wind will slow nighttime cooling.
In western Croatia, mornings inland will be relatively pleasant, ranging from 14 to 19°C, while on the coast it will be an uncomfortable 23 to 29°C. Daytime temperatures will range between 32 and 37°C, but in sunny Dalmatia, they could reach up to 40°C. In the interior of Istria, there is a slight chance of an afternoon shower. A northeast wind will blow in the mountains, while on the coast there will be a moderate bora, strong under Velebit with occasional gale-force gusts.
In far southern Croatia, sunny and hot weather will prevail, with temperatures from 33 to 38°C. Nights will be very warm, from 23 to 28°C, and the afternoon sea breeze will somewhat temper the summer heat.
The highest heat warning level remains in effect for northern Croatia. Although the start of the week in Dalmatia might bring slightly lower daytime temperatures, nights will remain very warm and uncomfortable for sleeping. There is no change in the coming days either, it will stay sunny, and daytime temperatures could rise a bit more. Isolated showers are possible mainly in mountainous Croatia, the Dalmatian hinterland, and Istria.
Relief and a more significant change in the weather, according to the HRT forecast reported by Antena Zadar, are only expected late next week.
