'We are now unquestionably in the warm part of Earth life'

Meteorologist Zoran Vakula confirmed on August 30, 2026, that Croatia has undeniably entered the warm phase of Earth's history. Speaking during a brief Q&A session, he stated that prolonged heatwaves and extreme weather events have become increasingly common, marking a new climatic reality rather than temporary anomalies. According to his assessment, the summer season from June 1 to August 31 proved accurate in its seasonal forecast, with temperatures across Croatia significantly above average. In many locations, the summer was among the hottest recorded in known measurement history, possibly even setting records. Vakula emphasized that while each summer might not be hotter than the previous one, the overall trend has been upward, and this pattern is likely to continue for years and decades to come. He noted that abrupt transitions between hot spells and sudden rainstorms are becoming more frequent, attributing these changes partly to climate change. However, he also acknowledged that such shifts can occur naturally due to interactions between Earth and the sun, leading to periods of warmth and cold, including ice ages. He concluded that humanity has contributed, at least slightly, to placing the planet in a warmer period of its history, though he stressed that this outcome would happen regardless of human actions. Regarding the upcoming winter of 2026–2027, Vakula suggested that it could remain relatively mild compared to past winters. While acknowledging that occasional colder periods might still occur, he argued that they would not reach the intensity of the unusually warm summers. He further explained that autumn, though often dismissed as lost, remains a distinct season. To help children understand this, he uses interactive educational sessions featuring illustrations from his "Weather Stories" series, which depict scenes from his weather forecasts. These efforts aim to reinforce the idea that seasons will continue to exist, albeit with shifting averages. In addition to discussing seasonal patterns, Vakula highlighted recent developments in global weather phenomena. He referenced a tragic event in Nepal, where a disaster occurred just days prior. The images captured were described as alarming, underscoring the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events worldwide. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing impact of climate-related disasters on vulnerable regions. The meteorologist also addressed the broader implications of current climatic trends. He pointed out that while some changes may appear random or cyclical, the rising frequency and intensity of extreme weather suggest a long-term shift. This includes both the persistence of heatwaves and the unpredictability of precipitation patterns. Such conditions challenge traditional notions of seasonal consistency, requiring societies to adapt their infrastructure, agriculture, and emergency response systems accordingly. As the world continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, experts like Vakula stress the importance of ongoing research and public awareness. Their insights provide a critical foundation for understanding how climate patterns are evolving and what steps must be taken to mitigate future risks. With data continuing to accumulate, the scientific community remains vigilant in tracking these changes and preparing for the uncertainties ahead.