Bosnia and Herzegovina records extreme summer heat in 2026

Meteorologist Nedim Sladić has issued warnings regarding the extreme heat experienced in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the summer of 2026. According to an analysis by the Federal Hydrometeorological Institute, the season has seen some of the longest periods of exceptionally high temperatures since instrumental measurements began in the country.

Mostar and Bihać recorded their hottest summers on record, while Sarajevo experienced its third hottest summer. In Mostar, the average maximum air temperature for August reached 39.5 °C. Despite some rainfall, Sarajevo received only half of its average monthly precipitation, a level more typical of southern Herzegovina.

Sladić noted that these conditions align with a medium-range greenhouse gas concentration scenario (RCP4.5), representing a world 3 °C warmer than pre-industrial levels. He compared the current heatwave to the extreme European summer of 2003, warning of significant impacts on health, agriculture, forestry, and the economy.