Meteorologists have issued warnings indicating that Slovenia could face its hottest heatwave of the summer so far, with temperatures potentially reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius. According to forecasts from the portal Neurje.si, the second half of the week will bring intense heat, with daily temperatures steadily rising. The peak of the heatwave is expected on Friday and Saturday, with some areas possibly recording temperatures between 36 and 39 degrees Celsius, and local spots even exceeding 40 degrees. The high-pressure system over central Europe is strengthening during the second half of the week, bringing very hot air from southern Europe into Slovenia. Temperatures are predicted to rise each day, with some locations already surpassing 33 degrees Celsius on Wednesday and climbing to around 36 degrees by Thursday. The heatwave's peak is currently pointing towards Friday and Saturday, with temperatures ranging between 36 and 39 degrees Celsius. In particularly exposed areas, temperatures near 40 degrees Celsius are not ruled out. Even nights will be oppressive, with morning temperatures hovering around 20 degrees Celsius. In cities and along the Adriatic coast, these figures could be higher. Due to so-called tropical nights, the air will not cool effectively, further increasing the heat stress. According to current calculations from Neurje.si, the weather will remain stable with minimal chances of rainfall. This dry period will continue, with soils becoming more parched and the heat intensifying throughout the days. If current model developments persist, this could be the strongest and longest-lasting heatwave of the summer. The Agency of the Republic of Slovenia for the Environment (Arso) has also issued a forecast from July 31 to August 5, 2026, predicting that the country will be under the influence of a high-pressure area, bringing warm and relatively dry air from southern Europe. Occasionally, weather disturbances from central Europe might move through, potentially affecting the Alps and influencing conditions in Slovenia. The weather will generally be clear and extremely hot, with slightly increased chances of thunderstorms in mountainous regions. Morning temperatures will hover around 20 degrees, while daytime highs will range between 33 and 38 degrees Celsius. For Thursday, orange heat warnings were issued for parts of the southern region due to high temperatures, extending to the entire country on Friday, excluding the northwest. In Italy, the fourth heatwave of the year is being anticipated, with temperatures in some cities possibly reaching 40 degrees Celsius. Similar conditions are observed in Serbia, where temperatures are expected to reach up to 36 degrees Celsius, with extreme heat lasting until mid-August. In Croatia, temperatures reached 39 degrees Celsius on Friday, with red heat warnings issued for certain areas, including Dubrovnik and Rijeka, while other regions received orange alerts. In response to the extreme heat, several countries in Central Europe have taken measures to mitigate risks related to wildfires and additional strain on water and electrical networks. In Hungary, open fires are banned in public spaces, and decorative lighting on state buildings has been turned off. Prime Minister Péter Márton has urged businesses to voluntarily reduce electricity consumption. Across the region, authorities are monitoring the situation closely, preparing for potential impacts on infrastructure and public health. The intensity and frequency of heatwaves have raised concerns among meteorological experts, who warn that such conditions may become more common in the coming months.
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