August the 5th, 2026 – Croatia is currently under a particularly strong heat dome, with the peak of that heat set to beat down on the country on Thursday. In some areas, the temperatures could reach a dizzying 42 degrees.
Index reports that a very powerful “heat dome” traps extremely hot air over southern and southeastern parts of the continent. According to meteorologists from Severe Weather Europe, the hottest conditions are expected over the Balkans, Italy, Greece, and parts of the western Mediterranean, with some locations forecast to reach or exceed 42 degrees.
For Croatia, the forecast indicates that temperatures will continue climbing through the week, with Thursday expected to be the peak of the heatwave. Inland parts of the country face the highest temperatures, potentially approaching 42 degrees, while the Adriatic coast will also experience very hot weather, although sea breezes should keep coastal temperatures somewhat lower than inland areas.
a high pressure system from north africa
The extreme heat is being driven by a strong high-pressure system stretching from North Africa into southern and central Europe. This atmospheric pattern allows very warm air from the Sahara to spread northward while preventing cooler Atlantic air from moving into the region. As a result, the hot weather is expected to persist for several days.
Meteorologists warn that the prolonged high temperatures significantly increase health risks, especially for older adults, young children, and people with chronic medical conditions. Authorities advise people to stay hydrated, avoid all kinds of more strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, seek shade or air-conditioned spaces whenever and wherever possible, and check on vulnerable family members and neighbours.
The article also highlights an increased wildfire risk all across southern Europe. The combination of extreme heat, dry vegetation, and periods of gusty winds creates conditions where fires can ignite easily and spread rapidly. Fire services across several Mediterranean countries remain on heightened alert.
a colder front is coming!
Looking beyond the peak heat, the forecast suggests that a cold front will begin moving into central Europe later in the week, bringing thunderstorms to some regions and a noticeable drop in temperatures. Croatia is expected to see this change after Thursday, although forecasters caution that any storms accompanying the front could be locally severe, with heavy rain, strong wind gusts, hail, and frequent lightning possible.
Overall, the article’s main message is that Thursday is expected to be the most dangerous day of the current heatwave in Croatia, with temperatures possibly reaching 42 degrees in some inland areas before a cooler, more unstable weather pattern arrives later in the week.
