[HEALTH] · Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia · 100 sources

started about 2 months ago · updated about 1 month ago

Part of situation: Europe weather shift: drought risks and El Niño concerns (17 clusters)

Balkans heat wave strains water, livestock and crops

Balkans heat wave water shortage livestock stress early grape harvest Vjetrenica cave

Temperatures across the Balkans have surged to 40‑43 °C, prompting red‑level heat alerts in Croatia, Serbia and Bosnia. Health officials in Serbia and Bosnia warned residents to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activity during the peak heat, while doctors in the region reported increased emergency calls.

In Croatia, cattle are drinking almost twice their usual water – 65‑70 m³ per day – and winemakers say the prolonged drought could force an earlier grape harvest and cut yields if rain does not arrive. Farmers such as Franjo Krešić and Marko Jakubek report higher feed costs and the need for extra cooling for livestock.

Rewilding Velebit has responded to the water shortage by transporting 16 000 L of water to four wildlife drinking points on the mountain. Meanwhile, the UNESCO‑listed Vjetrenica cave in southern Bosnia remains a cool refuge at a constant 11 °C, attracting tourists seeking relief from the heat.

Meteorological services in Montenegro, Kosovo and North Macedonia forecast further hot days, with temperatures expected to reach up to 39 °C in Montenegro and 36‑37 °C in parts of Macedonia. The heat wave is also affecting productivity and daily life across the region.

Entities

Adriatic coast · Balkan region · Bosnia and Herzegovina · Croatia · Croatian Meteorological Service · Croatian Meteorological Service (HRT) · Croatian agricultural sector · Croatian livestock · Croatian vineyards · DVD Dobrinj fire brigade · Danube River · Davor Baković

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] Croatian health agency issued recommendations to protect vulnerable groups from extreme heat, including staying in shade, drinking water and avoiding alcohol.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Belgrade water utility warned citizens to limit non‑essential water use during a heat wave with temperatures up to 38 °C. www.beograduzivo.rs
[○ 1 SOURCE] Croatian police warned citizens, after a 90‑year‑old man fell at Orahovačko lake, that high temperatures increase risk of dizziness and loss of balance.
[○ 1 SOURCE] 770 people drowned in Croatia between 2015 and 2024, including 45 victims under 19 years old.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Bosnian meteorologist Nedim Sladić explained that a dry easterly wind reduces humidity, making 34 °C heat more tolerable in Sarajevo. www.oslobodjenje.ba
[○ 1 SOURCE] Serbian meteorological forecasts predict daytime temperatures up to 40 °C and advise staying hydrated, avoiding sun between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., and limiting physical activity. studiob.rs
[● 2 SOURCES] State meteorological office raised a red alert for eastern Croatia with temperatures above 37 °C on 4 August. sib.net.hr
[○ 1 SOURCE] Belgrade water utility urged citizens to use water rationally during the heat wave to keep the supply stable. www.beograduzivo.rs
[○ 1 SOURCE] Serbian meteorological service warned that Belgrade could see temperatures up to 38 °C with tropical nights. www.beograduzivo.rs
[○ 1 SOURCE] Belgrade water utility appealed to citizens to use water rationally during the heat wave. www.beograduzivo.rs
[○ 1 SOURCE] Croatian health agency reported 770 drownings between 2015 and 2024, including 45 victims under 19 years old.
[● 2 SOURCES] Police in Virovitica‑Podravska County warned that extreme heat increases the risk of dizziness and loss of balance for older people. glaspodravine.hr