July the 3rd, 2026 – The recent Croatian heatwave, which resulted in extremely high temperatures for about two weeks, has ended. Climate and weather experts have however warned that the extreme heat will return, and that this is the new normal.
The first major Croatian heatwave of this summer has officially come to an end with rain, wind and violent storms. It finally brings some relief after nearly two weeks of exceptionally high temperatures. However, as Index reports, meteorologists and public authorities are warning that prolonged periods of extreme heat are expected to become increasingly common as the climate continues to change.
The change in weather arrived with a cold front that brought rain, thunderstorms and strong winds to many parts of the country. While the transition was less severe than initially feared, several areas experienced intense downpours and wind gusts exceeding 60 km/h, with localised damage reported, including roof damage to a sports hall in western Slavonia. Northern Adriatic areas also experienced overnight storms.
Speaking on Croatian Radiotelevision, DHMZ meteorologist Petra Mikuš Jurković said the heatwave, which began on June 20 and first affected the northern Adriatic, was unusually long-lasting. She noted that although the atmosphere contained significant energy after the prolonged heat, the conditions required for the most dangerous forms of severe weather did not fully develop. Heatwave warnings have now been downgraded across most of Croatia.
The prolonged spell of hot and dry weather also kept Croatian firefighters exceptionally busy. Chief Fire Commander Slavko Tucaković said crews responded to a series of major wildfires across the Adriatic, including on Vis, Čiovo and Mljet, as well as in the Šibenik-Knin region. Several fires were sparked by lightning strikes during dry thunderstorms, with one wildfire near Senj brought under control before it could threaten populated areas. Authorities say lightning-induced fires have become an increasingly common feature of Croatia’s fire season.
Health officials are also urging caution despite the cooler temperatures. Barbara Bekavac of the Croatian Institute of Public Health said that while lower overnight temperatures will provide welcome relief, some people (particularly older adults and those with chronic health conditions) may experience headaches, fatigue or other symptoms as their bodies adjust to the changing conditions. She also advised against setting air conditioning more than seven degrees Celsius below the outdoor temperature, warning that sudden temperature changes can cause dizziness, fainting and other cardiovascular problems in vulnerable individuals.
Although the current heatwave has ended, experts say Croatians should expect more frequent and more intense periods of extreme heat, along with a much higher risk of severe storms and wildfires, in the years ahead as climate trends continue to evolve.
