Croatia is preparing for a prolonged heatwave that could push temperatures toward 40°C over the weekend. Meteorologists are warning of dangerous heat across several parts of the country, with red and orange alerts issued for areas including Zagreb, Rijeka, Split and Dubrovnik. The hot conditions could continue into the first week of August, while coastal areas may also face unusually warm nights.
According to Croatia’s State Meteorological and Hydrological Service, a strong area of high pressure over southwestern and central Europe is bringing very warm and dry air toward the country. Forecasts indicate that temperatures will rise significantly from Saturday, with daytime highs generally between 35°C and 40°C and locally potentially even higher.
Heatwave Expected to Peak Over the Weekend
The weekend is expected to be the most challenging period, with official warnings already in place for several regions. Forecasts show temperatures around 36°C in parts of Croatia toward the end of the week, while the Split and Dubrovnik areas are also facing heat-related warnings. The combination of high daytime temperatures and several consecutive days of extreme heat means conditions could become increasingly difficult for residents and visitors.
The heat will not disappear after sunset. Along the Adriatic coast, nighttime temperatures are expected to remain high, creating what are known as tropical nights. When temperatures stay elevated overnight, the body has less opportunity to cool down and recover from daytime heat, making prolonged periods of hot weather particularly challenging.
The Croatian weather service classifies red warnings as situations in which weather conditions are very dangerous, while orange warnings indicate dangerous weather. Current warnings show that some coastal regions are already facing significant heat related risks, particularly for older people and young children.
Health concerns are therefore a major part of the warning. Older adults, children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions and those working outdoors can be particularly vulnerable during periods of extreme heat. Authorities advise people to stay hydrated, limit exposure during the hottest part of the day and spend more time in cool or air-conditioned environments whenever possible.
Outdoor physical activity should also be limited during the hottest hours. People who need to be outside are generally better off scheduling demanding activities for cooler parts of the morning or evening, when temperatures are lower. The combination of high temperatures and prolonged exposure can increase the risk of heat-related illness.
Tourists and Residents Face Several Days of Extreme Heat
The expected heatwave comes during the height of Croatia’s summer tourist season, when coastal cities and resorts are receiving large numbers of visitors. For tourists and residents alike, the extreme temperatures could affect beach activities, sightseeing, travel plans and other outdoor events, particularly during the hottest part of the afternoon.
The wider forecast suggests that the heat may not be a short lived event. Meteorologists expect very warm conditions to persist for several days, with the possibility of high temperatures continuing into the beginning of August. This makes preparation especially important because prolonged heat can be more difficult to manage than a single extremely hot day.
One of the most important precautions is to never leave children, older people or pets inside a parked vehicle, even for a short period. Temperatures inside vehicles can rise rapidly, creating a potentially life threatening environment. Residents and visitors should also pay attention to official weather alerts and adjust their plans when conditions become unsafe.
Croatia is now facing several days in which heat will be the dominant weather story. With temperatures potentially approaching 40°C, high nighttime temperatures and warnings across multiple regions, residents and visitors will need to take the official alerts seriously. The coming weekend is expected to be the peak of the Croatia heatwave, while the persistence of hot weather into early August could make this a prolonged test for the country.
