Police have reported the collapse of a balcony in the River Caves.

Heatwave Intensifies Across Croatia and Serbia, With Record-Breaking Temperatures and Power Crisis On August 5, 2026, Croatia experienced one of its hottest days of the year, with temperatures reaching up to 39 degrees Celsius under clear skies and intense sunlight. The weather forecast from the Croatian State Hydrometeorological Service (DHMZ) indicated that while some areas would see light clouds, especially in mountainous regions and inland Dalmacia and Istria, the overall trend was toward extreme heat. In Zagreb, temperatures were predicted to climb from morning lows of 15–20 degrees to highs of 37–39 degrees, with similar conditions expected in other parts of the country. Coastal areas, including the islands, saw slightly cooler temperatures, ranging from 20–25 degrees in the morning and 33–38 degrees during the day. On the northern Adriatic, the sea remained calm and slightly wavy, with winds shifting from southwest to southeast. The heatwave continued into the following days, with forecasts indicating that temperatures would remain high throughout the week. By Thursday, the situation worsened further, with record-breaking temperatures recorded in several cities. In Rijeka, a temperature of 38.2 degrees Celsius was recorded at noon, surpassing the previous record set in June 2026. The DHMZ warned that temperatures could potentially exceed 40 degrees Celsius in certain locations, depending on local conditions. In Osijek and Daruvar, temperatures reached 33 degrees, while in Zagreb, Karlovac, Bjelovar, and Slavonski Brod, readings were around 32 degrees. In Dubrovnik, the temperature was equally high, highlighting the severity of the heatwave across the country. In addition to the extreme heat, the crisis extended beyond Croatia. In Serbia, the hydroelectric power plant Đerdap operated at only a quarter of its capacity due to low water levels on the Danube River. This has led to a significant reduction in electricity production, prompting the Ministry of Mining and Energy to call for maximum efforts from all sectors to maintain energy supply amid the heatwave. Minister Dubravka Đedović Handanović noted that water levels on the Danube have dropped to historic lows, with flows measured at just 1,450 cubic meters per second. Despite these challenges, reserves at the reversible hydropower plant Perućac on the Drina River provide some relief, offering 140 gigawatts of storage. Meanwhile, Austria faced its own severe heatwave, with meteorologists predicting temperatures could reach 41 degrees Celsius in eastern parts of the country. David Kaufmann of the Tauernwetter.at weather portal stated there was a 75% chance that the national temperature record of 40.5 degrees Celsius, set in 2013, would be broken within the coming days. The peak of the heatwave was initially expected on Tuesday, but forecasts shifted, placing the highest temperatures on Wednesday. In the east of Austria, near Bratislava and in southern Styria, temperatures could approach 41 degrees, raising concerns over potential new records. In Hungary and Romania, the situation was even more dire. Due to reduced water levels in the Danube, nuclear reactors had to be shut down for cooling, leading to a complete halt in power generation. The Hungarian government issued urgent appeals for citizens to conserve electricity, as temperatures across much of Europe reached dangerous levels. In Croatia, the DHMZ issued warnings of extreme danger due to the heatwave, urging residents to reduce physical exertion and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun between 10 and 17 hours. It recommended drinking plenty of fluids and engaging in activities early in the morning or late in the evening. Throughout the week, temperatures remained dangerously high, with many cities recording above 37 degrees Celsius. In Rijeka, temperatures hit 33.7 degrees at 3 PM, while at the Rijeka Airport, they reached 35.2 degrees. Streets in the city appeared almost deserted, with few pedestrians visible, as residents sought refuge from the sun. Markets and cafes were largely empty, with many businesses closed for the day. The heatwave caused widespread discomfort, with reports of dry asphalt and empty streets in major urban centers. By Friday, the heatwave began to show signs of easing, though temperatures remained high in many regions. The DHMZ issued new warnings, stating that nearly the entire country was under a red alert for extreme heat. Some areas, particularly in the continental interior, recorded temperatures exceeding 37.5 degrees Celsius. In Bilogora, the temperature reached 37.5 degrees, followed by Osijek-Čepin at 37.2 degrees, and Daruvar and Slavonski Brod at 36.8 degrees. Other notable hotspots included Zagreb-Grič at 36.5 degrees and Knin at 36.4 degrees. These extreme conditions prompted calls for caution, especially among vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses. As the week progressed, the intensity of the heatwave continued, with forecasts suggesting that temperatures might still rise in the coming days. In Croatia, the DHMZ warned that the worst of the heatwave was yet to come, with the highest temperatures expected to occur later in the week. In some regions, temperatures could surpass 39 degrees Celsius, posing serious health risks. The service urged residents to take protective measures, including staying hydrated and avoiding outdoor activity during peak heat hours. Across the region, the impact of the heatwave was felt in both human health and infrastructure. Reports emerged of power outages and equipment failures due to the strain on systems. In Serbia, the reduced output from the Đerdap plant highlighted the broader implications of climate change on energy security. Meanwhile, in Austria, the prospect of breaking the national temperature record raised alarms about the long-term effects of global warming. As the heatwave continues, authorities in Croatia, Serbia, and Austria are working to mitigate its effects through public awareness campaigns and emergency preparedness measures. While some relief is expected by the weekend, the persistence of high temperatures underscores the growing challenge of managing extreme weather events in an era of climate change.