Croatia Braces for Extreme Heatwave, Temperatures to Approach 40 Degrees Celsius

Croatia is preparing for the peak of a significant heatwave, with meteorologists forecasting temperatures to approach 40 degrees Celsius in several regions on Thursday. The Panonic Plain area could even experience highs around 43 degrees Celsius.

Adding to the challenging conditions, localized thunderstorms and heavy rain are possible in the afternoon, particularly in inland Istria, Dalmatia, and Gorski Kotar. The forecast indicates that extremely hot air will persist, with overnight temperatures in larger cities remaining above 20 degrees Celsius, offering little respite.

Meteorologist Zoran Vakula of HRT highlighted that while eastern Croatia will be sunny, it won't be entirely clear. He predicted morning temperatures between 16 and 19 degrees Celsius, rising to an uncomfortable nearly 40 degrees Celsius by the afternoon. Central Croatia faces a very high risk to health due to the heat, with temperatures in the early morning already feeling hot and not dropping significantly even at night.

Further inland, Gorski Kotar and Lika will also experience warm conditions, potentially hotter than parts of the northern Adriatic coast. Temperatures are expected to hover around 36 degrees Celsius, with inland Istria possibly reaching 39 degrees Celsius. Vakula noted that thunderstorms could disrupt the prevailing clear skies, especially in Gorski Kotar.

The forecast for the Adriatic coast suggests very hot and unstable afternoons in inland Dalmatia, with warm mornings and nights. The middle and southern Adriatic coasts may experience slightly milder conditions due to sea breezes, but overall, above-average daytime heat is expected. The week's end promises a shift, with Friday and Saturday bringing more variable weather, including potential storms, followed by a sunnier and slightly cooler Sunday.

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Temperature zraka će porasti od ujutro mnogima ugodnih 16 do 19 stupnjeva do poslijepodne neugodnih gotovo 40 °C