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Balkans Shift From Heatwave to Hailstorms in Croatia and Wildfires in Serbia

Authorities have imposed drinking-water restrictions alongside river-level warnings in response to prolonged drought.

A car and boats are damaged in Split, Croatia, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, following a powerful storm. (AP Photo/Tom Dubravec)
A fireman removes debris from a street in Split, Croatia, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, following a powerful storm. (AP Photo/Tom Dubravec)
Boats are seen damaged in Split, Croatia, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, following a powerful storm. (AP Photo/Tom Dubravec)
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Overview

  • A sudden July 8 hailstorm battered Split, Croatia, ripping roofs, toppling trees, damaging the Poljud stadium canopy and injuring three residents.
  • Slovenian authorities reported heavy rain, hail and high-altitude Alpine snowfall as temperatures plunged from near 40 °C to about 20 °C.
  • Serbian firefighters battled over 600 wildfires that have injured six people and led at least three southern municipalities to declare emergency measures.
  • The national meteorological institute warned of critically low levels on the Danube, the Sava and smaller rivers while officials restricted drinking-water supplies.
  • Climate experts link the region’s sequence of extreme heat, violent storms and drought-driven fires to broader warming trends and infrastructure vulnerabilities.