Monday, 10th February 2025

Serbia Records Hottest Summer in History

Serbia has just experienced its hottest summer on record, according to the latest bulletin from the Republic Hydrometeorological Service (RHMZ)

Average temperatures were over 3°C higher than normal, surpassing even the notorious heat of 2012. The capital, Belgrade, saw temperatures climb a staggering 6°C higher than historical averages, marking an alarming new chapter in the region’s climate history.

This summer, Serbia endured five distinct heatwaves – prolonged periods of at least five consecutive days of extreme heat. Two of these heatwaves, in mid-July and mid-August, were particularly severe, with temperatures reaching 10°C above seasonal norms. 

What is perhaps most concerning is the baseline against which these figures are measured. Today’s “normal” temperatures are already elevated due to climate change. The standard used by the RHMZ for comparison is the 1991-2020 average, which is 2°C warmer than the previous baseline from 1961-1990

Such extremes, once unimaginable, have become increasingly common; in the mid-20th century, Serbia typically saw just one heatwave per year. Now, that number has quadrupled, with four heatwaves annually in the last decade.

This means that when current temperatures are compared to those of previous decades, the figures are even more stark. For instance, in Zaječar, 78 out of 92 summer days were classified as tropical, with temperatures exceeding 30°C. Even traditionally cold towns like Sjenica recorded an unprecedented 25 tropical days.

Belgrade, notorious for its urban heat island effect, recorded a record-breaking 60 tropical nights this year, where temperatures didn’t drop below 20°C. This obliterated the previous record of 51 nights in 2012. On 17 July, the apparent temperature in the capital reached a scorching 46.2°C, highlighting the increasingly severe impact of climate change on the region.

Revoz Set to Begin Production of Nissan’s Electric Pixo

Revoz, Renault’s Slovenian subsidiary, is preparing to launch the production of the revamped electric Twingo in 2026, but the...

Aleph Named TikTok’s Exclusive Sales Partner in Eastern & Baltic Markets

In a strategic move to further consolidate its presence in Central and Eastern Europe, TikTok has appointed Aleph as...

Volkswagen Leads Croatia’s Auto Market in January 2025

In January 2025, Volkswagen emerged as the leading brand in Croatia’s automotive sector, capturing a market share of 12.3%...

Croatia’s Industrial Shift Sees Fewer Jobs but Rising Productivity

Croatia’s industrial sector is grappling with unexpected challenges - while the number of jobs decreases, productivity continues to rise. According...

Slovenian Iskra Expands Footprint with New Factory in Bosnia and Logistics Hub in Serbia

Slovenian industrial giant Iskra is intensifying its regional footprint with a new manufacturing plant in Bosnia and a logistics...
spot_img

Connecting the Adria Region Decision Makers

The Region is more than a publication - it's where the region's elite converge for insights and opportunities