Serbia endures extreme heat wave with temperatures up to 40 °C

Serbia heat wave 40 °C temperatures health risk electricity demand regional red alerts

The Republic Hydrometeorological Institute of Serbia (RHMZ) has issued a warning for a prolonged heat wave across Serbia, forecasting maximum temperatures of 35‑38 °C and local peaks of up to 40 °C. The most intense period is expected from 5 to 8 August, when most locations will see daily highs around 40 °C and tropical night conditions in Vojvodina and Belgrade. Health authorities warn that the sustained heat raises the risk of heat‑stroke, sunburn and dehydration, especially for children, the elderly, chronic‑ill patients, pregnant women and outdoor workers. The heat also strains the electricity grid due to higher cooling demand and increases water‑supply needs, while dry vegetation heightens the danger of fast‑spreading forest fires.

Neighbouring Croatia has declared a red meteorological alarm for Zagreb, Knin, Rijeka, Split and Dubrovnik, with temperatures projected between 34 °C and 39 °C. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, a separate heat wave is forecast to reach 43 °C, prompting concerns about drought and agricultural damage. Local authorities in Serbia, such as the SSP party in Niš and the Ministry of Agriculture, have called for cooling zones, extra water supplies and fire‑prevention measures to protect residents.

Entities: Bosnia and Herzegovina · Croatia · Croatian State Hydrometeorological Service (DHMZ) · Dragan Glamočić · Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management · Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management (Serbia) · Republic Hydrometeorological Institute of Serbia · Republic Hydrometeorological Institute of Serbia (RHMZ) · Republic of Serbia · Serbia · Serbia Ziđin Koper · Srbija Ziđin Koper

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 3 SOURCES] Sustained high temperatures increase risk of heat‑stroke, sunburn and dehydration, especially for children, the elderly, chronic patients, pregnant women and outdoor workers. (RHMZ health advisory)
[● 5 SOURCES] RHMZ warned of a heat wave in Serbia with maximum temperatures of 35‑38 °C and local peaks up to 40 °C. (RHMZ)
[● 3 SOURCES] Croatia issued a red meteorological alarm for Zagreb, Knin, Rijeka, Split and Dubrovnik, with temperatures forecast between 34 °C and 39 °C. (Croatian State Hydrometeorological Service (DHMZ))
[○ 1 SOURCE] The heat wave raises water‑supply demand across Serbia. (RHMZ)
[○ 1 SOURCE] Bosnia and Herzegovina is experiencing a heat wave with temperatures up to 43 °C, raising concerns about drought and agricultural damage. (Bosnian media report)
[● 3 SOURCES] The heat wave is expected to be most intense from 5 to 8 August, with daily highs around 40 °C in most Serbian locations. (RHMZ forecasts)
[● 2 SOURCES] Tropical night conditions are forecast for Vojvodina and Belgrade during the heat wave. (RHMZ)
[● 2 SOURCES] The heat wave places additional strain on Serbia's electricity system due to increased cooling demand. (RHMZ)