Ivan Šolić: I'm looking at the cards and I'm looking for when "Summer Killer" is coming to us.

Meteorological conditions along the Adriatic coast have deteriorated significantly over recent weeks, with prolonged drought and extreme heat affecting large parts of Croatia, particularly Dalmatia. According to local reports, the region has been unable to escape its current unfavorable weather situation despite occasional light rain brought by a shallow cyclone in the northern Adriatic. The lack of substantial rainfall has raised concerns among farmers and residents alike, who are anxiously awaiting relief from the ongoing dry spell. The situation has prompted a detailed analysis from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), based in Reading, England. This leading institution for numerical weather prediction has issued forecasts indicating that Dalmatia will not experience significant rainfall by the end of August. Traditional summer storms, often referred to colloquially as the "killer of summer," have failed to materialize, leaving many in the area without respite from the relentless heat. According to the ECMWF model, which is widely recognized for its accuracy, there is little hope for substantial rainfall in the near future. Additionally, other prominent forecasting models such as the Global Forecast System (GFS) developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Canadian Global Deterministic Prediction System (GEM GDPS) all indicate similar outcomes. These models collectively suggest that the region is unlikely to receive the much-needed rain before September. The absence of significant rainfall has had tangible effects on the landscape, with visible signs of stress appearing on vegetation, especially trees with thin bark that are particularly vulnerable to extreme temperatures and intense sunlight. Farmers are expressing concern over potential crop losses due to the reduced water availability, which threatens their livelihoods and the agricultural output of the region. In response to growing public anxiety regarding water supply, the Split Water Supply Company addressed queries about the risk of water shortages. Officials confirmed that water reserves in Split remain satisfactory, although minor challenges were noted in areas affected by tourism pressures, specifically around Trogir and Čiovo. However, these issues have since stabilized, and the company reassured citizens that water supplies continue to meet demand despite the lack of rainfall. As the forecast models consistently point toward continued dry conditions, the possibility of a new wave of hot air arriving from North Africa within the coming week adds further concern. This anticipated influx of warm air could exacerbate existing health risks, particularly for individuals with respiratory issues. Residents and officials are now looking beyond the immediate forecast period, hoping for some form of meteorological miracle that might bring relief before the onset of autumn. Until then, the focus remains on managing the current situation through efficient water usage and preparedness measures.