Europe Braces for Heatwave: Meteorologist Warns of Potential Record-Breaking Temperatures

Europe is preparing for a significant heatwave expected to grip the continent from late July into early August. Meteorologist Marko Korošec warns of a "heat dome" – a high-pressure system trapping warm air – expanding from western and central Europe towards the Balkans and the Mediterranean.

This atmospheric block is forecast to bring extremely hot and dry air from North Africa. For Croatia, especially its eastern and lowland areas, temperatures are predicted to reach around 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). Korošec's analysis suggests that regions including eastern Croatia, northern Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, western Romania, and parts of Slovenia could experience temperatures exceeding 40°C over the weekend, potentially nearing historical records.

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Europe is preparing for a new strong heatwave at the end of July and beginning of August, and according to the forecast of meteorological analyst Marko Korosec published on the Severe Weather Europe website, extreme heat is expected to affect Croatia as well.

Beyond the intense heat, the low humidity, which could drop below 20 percent in some areas, combined with intermittent winds, creates conditions ripe for fires. Mediterranean regions, western Balkans, and other dry parts of southern Europe are particularly vulnerable. The prolonged heat is expected to exacerbate existing drought conditions and increase the risk of new wildfires due to dry vegetation.

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Temperatures above 40 °C could appear over the weekend in the area of eastern Croatia, northern Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, western Romania, and parts of Slovenia.

Nights will offer little respite, with temperatures in some areas remaining above 20 degrees Celsius, hindering the body's recovery from daytime heat. These conditions pose serious risks to the elderly, children, individuals with chronic illnesses, and outdoor workers. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heatstroke.

Korošec notes this could be the fourth major heatwave in Europe this summer, with the developing pattern resembling previous extreme heat episodes driven by persistent high-pressure systems. The combination of extreme heat and dry conditions presents a significant challenge for public health and environmental safety across the continent.

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Very low relative humidity, which could drop below 20 percent in some areas, along with intermittent strengthening of the wind, will create conditions for an increased risk of fire outbreak and rapid spread.