Heatwave Hell in Serbia: Tropical Nights, 40-Degree Temperatures, and Dangerous Weather Alerts
Brace yourselves, Serbia is gripped by a hellish heatwave that just won’t quit! Meteorologists predict the peak of this tropical blast will hit today, July 4th, with temperatures soaring up to a scorching 40 degrees Celsius in cities like Ćuprija, Leskovac, and Belgrade. And if you thought nights would bring relief, think again — temperatures won’t drop below 20 degrees, meaning true tropical nights that will wreck your sleep.
The Heat That Doesn’t Back Down This heatwave is brought on by the African anticyclone Pluton, which already baked Spain and France with record highs of 44 degrees at the end of June. Early July saw this hot African air spread across much of Europe, and Serbia is now in the eye of the storm. Meteorologist Ivan Ristić warns that the sultry and very hot weather will last until Tuesday, July 8th, with daily highs ranging from 34 to 40 degrees.
Brief Relief and New Storms Although a dip in the heatwave’s intensity and a temperature drop of 7 to 10 degrees is expected on July 8th, it won’t last long. Between July 8th and 15th, transient cloudiness with showers and thunderstorms is forecast, including local severe weather with strong winds and hail, especially in the hilly and mountainous areas of western and southwestern Serbia. However, models do not predict heavy rainfall, which is bad news for areas suffering drought since early June.
The Return of Scorching Heat The second half of July will bring back the African anticyclone and another round of intense heat, with the hottest days around July 24th, when temperatures will again reach or exceed 40 degrees in many cities. Amateur meteorologist Marko Čubrilo adds that the highest temperatures will be in the east and south of the region, with highs between 34 and 38 degrees, while the west and northwest will see brief atmospheric instability with showers and thunderstorms.
Dangers and Advice These temperatures are not just uncomfortable; they’re dangerous to health. Red warnings are in effect, and experts advise avoiding sun exposure during the hottest parts of the day, drinking plenty of fluids, and monitoring weather forecasts for possible severe weather. Tropical nights make resting even harder, and the muggy weather can worsen conditions for people with respiratory and heart problems.
Conclusion Serbia is caught in a true heat hell that will last at least until mid-July, with short breaks from the heat and possible local severe weather. This extreme weather scenario shows how vulnerable we are to climate change and how important it is to prepare for such challenges.
So, while you’re sweating and hunting for shade, take a look out the window and ask yourself — is this the new normal? Or just another summer nightmare? If you’ve got your own hacks to survive this heat, drop them in the comments — maybe your tip will save someone from heatstroke!
Sources: Blic.rs, meteorological forecasts by Ivan Ristić and Marko Čubrilo.
