Heatwave doesn't wait for noon. Temperatures above 30 degrees measured at 7 a.m., here's where the heat hit earliest

Croatia is bracing for a significant heatwave, with early morning temperatures already soaring above 30 degrees Celsius in parts of the country. By 7 a.m., southern regions, particularly along the Adriatic coast, recorded temperatures exceeding 30°C, while many coastal areas registered between 25°C and 28°C.

Dubrovnik reported the highest morning temperature at 30.2°C, followed by Ploče (27.8°C) and Split Airport (27.6°C). The high overnight temperatures indicate that the air failed to cool down significantly, intensifying the heat stress during the day. In contrast, inland areas experienced cooler mornings, with Zagreb at 19°C and Osijek at 20.1°C. Mountainous regions offered the most relief, with Crni Lug recording a low of 10.3°C.

The Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ) forecasts sunny, hot, and in some places very hot weather. While isolated showers are possible in the afternoon in inland Dalmatia and the far south, the main concern is the intense heat. The highest daily temperatures are expected to range from 29°C to 34°C inland, and between 34°C and 37°C along the coast and in parts of Istria and Dalmatia.

DHMZ has issued heatwave warnings, with the highest red alert, indicating a very high risk, in effect for the regions of Rijeka, Split, and Dubrovnik until Wednesday. Moderate risk warnings are in place for other areas, with yellow alerts expected to extend to inland regions from Monday. The Adriatic coast is expected to bear the brunt of the heatwave, with authorities urging caution.