Croatia faces rapid weather shift: Thunderstorms followed by heatwave up to 40°C

Croatia is bracing for a dramatic shift in weather as a period of unsettled conditions, including thunderstorms and rain, is set to sweep across the country.

This change comes just before a significant heatwave is expected to grip parts of the Balkans, with temperatures potentially soaring to as high as 40°C. The forecast indicates a rapid transition from cooler, wetter weather to intense heat, particularly affecting eastern Croatia and neighboring regions.

Forecasters predict localized heavy downpours, with accumulations of 5-15 mm of rain, and a possibility of waterspouts forming at sea. Following the initial disruption, temperatures are expected to rise steadily from Wednesday onwards. The heatwave is anticipated to peak with extreme temperatures across the Balkan region, marking a stark contrast to the preceding stormy weather.

While the immediate forecast includes potential hazards like thunderstorms and heavy rain, the dominant story for the end of August is the impending heatwave. This pattern of rapid weather fluctuations highlights the unpredictable nature of the late summer climate in the region. A return to average temperatures is not expected until early September, with the onset of meteorological autumn.