Croatia set for first heatwave of summer with temps to hit 36°C in places

Croatia

Croatia is set to experience its first significant heatwave of the summer, with the State Meteorological and Hydrological Service (Državni hidrometeorološki zavod (DHMZ)) issuing warnings as temperatures rise sharply across the country.

After a relatively mild start to the week, a marked increase in temperatures is expected from the weekend onwards, with hot weather forecast to persist at least until the middle of next week.

Yellow heat warnings have already been activated for parts of the country. On Saturday, alerts are in place for the Rijeka region.

On Sunday, warnings will extend to the Rijeka, Split and Dubrovnik regions, while on Monday the Knin region will also be included.

Meteorologists warn that the combination of high daytime temperatures and increasingly warm nights, particularly along the Adriatic coast, could pose health risks and make night-time cooling difficult.

From the weekend, conditions are expected to intensify, with widespread heat affecting much of Croatia. Inland areas are also expected to become hotter early next week, with the possibility of the heatwave spreading further into continental regions.

According to the Norwegian forecasting service Yr.no, temperatures across Croatia will reach around 35°C to 36°C in some areas, while night-time temperatures may remain unusually high at 26°C to 27°C.

Split forecast (Yr.no)

Health Advice and Precautions

Authorities advise the public to take precautions during the hottest part of the day, including avoiding prolonged sun exposure, staying hydrated, and taking special care of vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, and those with chronic health conditions.

Meteorologists also highlight that persistent high night-time temperatures may increase discomfort and heat stress, particularly in urban coastal areas.

The current heatwave conditions are expected to continue into mid next week, with only limited relief in parts of the country.