A blistering heatwave has engulfed the Balkans and parts of Southeast Europe, smashing temperature records, fueling wildfires, and overwhelming health and emergency services. With temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F) in multiple cities, governments have issued urgent health warnings and implemented emergency measures to protect vulnerable populations.
Record Temperatures and Public Safety Warnings
Serbia recorded its hottest day ever since records began in the 19th century, with temperatures reaching 41°C (105.8°F) on June 26, according to the National Hydrometeorological Service. Belgrade and 15 other locations set new all-time highs. Even mountain resorts saw unusual temperatures of 32°C (89.6°F)—barely a month after being covered in snow.
Authorities urged citizens to stay indoors or seek air-conditioned areas during peak sunlight hours. The combination of heat and humidity presents serious health risks, particularly for seniors and those with cardiovascular conditions.
A study by five departments at the University of Belgrade identified five “urban heat islands” in the capital, where dense concrete, heavy traffic, and minimal greenery caused localized temperatures to spike by as much as 7°C (12.6°F) above surrounding areas.
Heat Migration and Climate Adaptation
In Montenegro, many tourists fled the scorching Adriatic coast for higher-altitude locations like Durmitor National Park, where the cooler mountain climate offered relief. In Croatia, people flocked to inland lakes such as Bundek near Zagreb to escape the heat, while wildfires in the east and southern coast remained a major concern, having already destroyed dozens of homes.
In Kosovo, residents cooled off in the Erenik River near Gjakova on June 25, a scene mirrored across the region.
North Macedonia saw similar extremes, prompting the government to activate its national heat action plan. Measures included promoting remote work, introducing flexible work hours, and advising accommodations for vulnerable populations like pregnant women and the elderly. Popular destinations like Lake Ohrid became essential refuges from the oppressive heat.
Wildfire erupts near Athens #Greece amid heatwave
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Emergency Responses Across the Region
In Greece, the heatwave triggered wildfires on the Aegean island of Chios and in Attica, where flames consumed homes and forced evacuations of five settlements. Athens opened air-conditioned shelters and launched 24-hour support hotlines. One woman received a prison sentence and a €10,000 (about $10,700) fine after accidentally starting a blaze with a cigarette.
Forest fires also broke out in Turkey, notably in Izmir and Edirne, with the latter threatening areas near the Bulgarian border. Officials suspect arson in at least one incident. Cities like Istanbul endured highs approaching 40°C (104°F), while southern and Aegean provinces were expected to reach 42°C (107.6°F) before a slight weekend cooldown with forecasted rain.
In Romania, authorities issued an orange alert across 13 counties, including the capital Bucharest. The city set up misting stations and distributed mineral water. A national emergency committee was convened to prepare for sustained extreme heat expected to last four more weeks, with little chance of significant rainfall.
Climate Change and the Summer Ahead
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, June 2025 was officially the driest month in 135 years. Officials issued red weather alerts as temperatures hit 41°C (105.8°F) in multiple locations. Outdoor events were canceled, and citizens were warned of ongoing fire risks. Experts forecast at least three major heatwaves in Bosnia this summer.
Bakir Krajinovic of the Federal Hydro-Meteorological Institute linked the intensifying heat to climate change, predicting that July and August may average 4–5°C (7.2–9°F) above normal, with prolonged dry conditions likely to worsen fire hazards.
Meanwhile, Albanian firefighters brought eight wildfires under control in the last 24 hours, with crews remaining on high alert as dry, hot conditions persist.
A Fragile Respite Ahead
Meteorologists anticipate a temporary cooldown beginning this weekend. Rainfall is forecast for Istanbul, Ankara, and parts of Greece, with some regions possibly seeing temperatures drop by as much as 10°C (18°F). However, the break may be short-lived, as more heatwaves are expected throughout July and August, raising concerns that Southeast Europe may be facing one of the hottest summers in modern history.
