Balkans face extreme heatwave and heightened wildfire risks
A severe heatwave is affecting much of the Balkan region, prompting numerous weather warnings and increasing the risk of wildfires and health emergencies.
In Serbia, the Republic Hydrometeorological Service (RHMZ) has issued warnings for temperatures reaching up to 38°C, particularly between August 10-11. The heat increases the risk of heatstroke and dehydration, especially for vulnerable groups, and poses high fire risks.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, temperatures are climbing, with some southern regions expected to reach 41°C. Firefighting efforts are underway in Tuzla Canton, where several fires have broken out in forests and agricultural areas, including an eight-hectare forest fire in Kladanj.
Croatia is also facing extreme conditions. A red meteoalarm is in effect for the Split region due to the heatwave. Authorities in Posušje have warned visitors to the Blidinje Nature Reserve against illegal open fires to prevent catastrophic forest fires. Additionally, experts have warned that high temperatures increase the risk of tire damage and engine overheating.
In Macedonia, the Union of Trade Unions has called for enhanced worker protections for those operating in outdoor environments during extreme heat. In Kosovo, temperatures are expected to reach 34°C, with potential local thunderstorms in the afternoon.
Entities: Albania · Anđa Budimir · Blidinje Nature Park · Blidinje Nature Reserve · Bosnia and Herzegovina · Budva · Civil Protection Service of Posušje · Civil Protection of Posušje (Bosnia and Herzegovina) · Civil protection of Posušje municipality · Croatia · DHMZ · Državni hidrometeorološki zavod
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 6 SOURCES] RHMZ warned of a very high risk of fire initiation and spread during the heat wave. (RHMZ)
- [● 2 SOURCES] High ambient temperatures cause car tire pressure to rise, increasing the risk of tire damage if the tyre is under‑inflated. (RHMZ)
- [● 6 SOURCES] RHMZ noted that prolonged high temperatures increase risk of heatstroke, dehydration and sunburn, especially for children, the elderly and chronic patients. (RHMZ)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Emergency services in Doboj (Republika Srpska) reported an increase in patients with heat‑related symptoms such as dehydration, dizziness and worsening of chronic illnesses. (Doboj health service)
- [● 6 SOURCES] RHMZ warned that temperatures in Serbia will reach up to 38 °C on 10-11 August. (RHMZ)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Posušje civil protection warned visitors to the Blidinje Nature Reserve against illegal open fires due to high fire risk. (Posušje civil protection)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Warmer sea temperatures have led to a noticeable increase in fireworm (Hermodice carunculata) sightings near Rogoznica and Primošten. (RHMZ)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Istrian emergency medical services treated more than 11 500 patients between 1 June and 7 August, a 13.5 % increase over the previous year, with many cases linked to the heat wave. (Istrian emergency medical services)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Temperatures in parts of Albania are expected to reach up to 34°C. (IHMK)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Union of Trade Unions of Macedonia has called for improved worker protection during extreme heat. (LSM (Union of Trade Unions of Macedonia))
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Medical specialists warn that temperatures in the Presheve Valley could reach 39°C. (Medical specialists)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A red meteoalarm is in effect for the Split region due to the heatwave. (DHMZ)