[REVISION HISTORY]

Extreme heat and energy demand in Croatia

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-04 05:51 UTC → 2026-09-04 06:24 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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. ~~A cold front is~~ As of early September, maximum daily temperatures are expected to ~~bring heavy rainfall~~ 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 ~~sharp drop~~ 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 ~~temperatures across Croatia, Serbia,~~ central and ~~Slovenia.~~ 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. ~~Total electricity consumption for the first seven months of the year rose by 1.9 percent compared to the same period in 2024.~~

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