Update, 23 June 2026: Red Weather Warning Issued
Croatia’s heatwave is expected to intensify further, with weather authorities raising warning levels for Friday and Saturday due to a prolonged period of very high temperatures.
Red weather warnings, indicating a very high risk from heat that can affect health, are now in force for the Rijeka, Split and Dubrovnik regions. Inland parts of the country remain under yellow and orange warnings, reflecting moderate to high heat-related risk.
Authorities are advising both residents and visitors to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the day and monitor local weather updates as the heatwave continues.
Earlier report
Croatia is set for a spell of hot and mostly sunny weather this weekend, with temperatures reaching up to 35°C in many parts of the country. The Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ) has issued Croatia’s first heatwave warnings of the year for parts of the Adriatic coast, with conditions expected to intensify early next week.
According to DHMZ, Saturday will be predominantly sunny and hot across most of Croatia, with daytime temperatures generally ranging between 30°C and 35°C. While most areas will remain dry, isolated afternoon showers are possible in parts of the interior, particularly in the Gorski Kotar region.
Winds are expected to remain mostly light, while the Adriatic coast will see a light to moderate south-westerly breeze. Localised bura winds may still occur in some coastal areas during the morning hours.
Heatwave warnings issued for the Adriatic coast
DHMZ has warned of an increased likelihood of heatwave conditions that could affect human health, particularly along the northern Adriatic.
Current forecasts show the first official heatwave warnings of the summer being issued from Monday, 22 June.
The Rijeka region is expected to face the highest level of risk, with an orange warning in place due to forecast daytime temperatures above 34°C and overnight temperatures remaining above 23°C. Meteorologists warn that these conditions may pose a health risk, especially for vulnerable groups such as older people, young children and those with existing medical conditions.
Yellow heatwave warnings have also been issued for the Split and Dubrovnik regions, where temperatures are expected to exceed 34°C and 32°C respectively.
Europe under a broader heatwave
Croatia’s warmer weather comes as much of Europe experiences an early summer heatwave.
Meteorological services across southern Europe have issued warnings as temperatures continue to climb. Italy is expected to see temperatures above 40°C in some areas this weekend, while authorities in France, Spain and Greece have also warned residents and visitors about the risks associated with prolonged exposure to extreme heat.
In cities such as Rome, tourists and residents have been seeking relief in shaded public spaces and near fountains, while French authorities have encouraged people to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
Forecasters expect unusually high temperatures to continue affecting large parts of Europe over the coming days, prompting health officials to advise caution, adequate hydration and limiting time spent in direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours.
What travellers should know
Visitors planning to spend time on Croatia’s Adriatic coast next week should be prepared for very warm conditions, particularly in coastal cities where high overnight temperatures may provide little relief from the daytime heat.
Authorities recommend drinking plenty of water, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day and paying particular attention to children, older adults and anyone with underlying health conditions.
Croatia’s Civil Protection Directorate also advises limiting strenuous outdoor activities, seeking shade whenever possible and avoiding direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Visitors are reminded never to leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, even for a short period of time, as temperatures can rise rapidly and pose a serious health risk.
How to recognise heatstroke and what to do
According to the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ), heat-related illnesses can develop quickly during periods of extreme heat, particularly among older adults, young children and people with underlying health conditions. Early warning signs include dizziness, weakness, severe thirst, headaches, muscle cramps, nausea and unusual fatigue.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should move to a cooler place, rest, drink water or electrolyte-rich fluids and avoid further exposure to the sun.
HZJZ warns that more serious symptoms may indicate heatstroke, a medical emergency that occurs when the body can no longer regulate its temperature. Warning signs include hot and dry skin, confusion, unusual behaviour, vision problems, ringing in the ears, loss of consciousness or seizures. If heatstroke is suspected, emergency medical assistance should be called immediately.
While waiting for help, the person should be moved to a cool place, excess clothing removed and the body cooled with cold compresses or water, particularly around the neck, armpits and groin.
If you’re visiting Croatia for the first time, our guide Planning a Trip to Croatia? The Basics You Need to Know covers many of the practical things travellers should know before arriving.
