# Extreme heat and energy demand in Croatia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/extreme-heat-and-energy-demand-in-croatia
> Updated: 2026-08-31T04:21:00.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2.

Croatia has experienced extreme weather and energy demand shifts during the summer of 2026. The Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ) reported historic heatwave durations, with six of eight analyzed stations setting new records. Notably, Rijeka recorded a 20-day continuous heatwave, surpassing the previous 2003 record. Several cities also experienced unprecedented periods of “extreme health danger.” In August, temperatures in many locations significantly exceeded the 1991–2020 climatological average by 3°C to 5°C. This heatwave extended into early September, with Sinj recording 35°C on September 1. Coastal areas also saw record-breaking sea temperatures; in Dubrovnik, both air and sea temperatures reached nearly 29°C at 7:00 AM, while Mljet, Vis, and Split reported September sea temperatures between 28°C and 29°C. By early September, cities including Split, Šibenik, and Zadar recorded their highest September temperatures ever. While the warmer autumn is extending the tourist season—with Dubrovnik-Neretva County reporting over 2 million overnight stays through August—meteorologists predict a major weather reversal. As of early September, maximum daily temperatures are expected to reach between 30 and 35°C, with an orange weather warning remaining in effect for the southernmost regions due to extreme heat risks. While much of the country remains sunny and dry, meteorological models suggest a weather shift may arrive as early as September 10. This change, involving cooler air and precipitation, is expected to bring relief from the heatwaves, particularly in central and eastern regions where clouds and potential thunderstorms are forecasted. Concurrently, the country reached a historic peak in hourly electricity consumption of 3400.5 megawatt-hours (MWh) in August. Data from the transmission system operator (HOPS) indicates that summer consumption peaks have now overtaken winter peaks, a trend attributed to hotter summers, warmer winters, and increased demand from tourism.

## Claims

- Electricity consumption in Croatia reached a historic hourly maximum of 3400.5 MWh in August. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The historic peak of 3400.5 MWh was recorded at 21:00. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Summer electricity consumption peaks in Croatia have surpassed winter peaks. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Total electricity consumption for the first seven months of the year reached 10,632 million MWh. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Electricity consumption in the first seven months of this year was 1.9 percent higher than in the same period in 2024. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Warmer winters, hotter summers, and tourism are factors contributing to the shift in consumption patterns. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Croatia sets record hourly electricity consumption in August

Croatia set a new electricity consumption record in August, reaching 3,400.5 MWh per hour, as summer demand driven by heatwaves and tourism now exceeds traditional winter peaks.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-hits-record-hourly-electricity-consumption-peak

### 2026-08-17: Croatia records historic heatwave durations across multiple cities

Croatia has seen record-breaking heatwaves this summer, with Rijeka recording a 20-day heatwave, the longest since 1950. Six major stations set new duration records for health-threatening temperatures.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-records-historic-heatwave-durations-across-multiple-cities

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Cite as: Extreme heat and energy demand in Croatia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/extreme-heat-and-energy-demand-in-croatia