Scorching Friday up to 36C, storms and hail arrive Saturday
Serbia's meteorological service says the heatwave peaks Friday at up to 36C, with a sharp cooldown Saturday bringing showers, thunder, local hail and strong wind. Here is how to stay safe.
- Friday is the peak of the heat, with the RHMZ forecasting highs of 33 to 36 degrees.
- By Saturday a sharp cooldown arrives with showers, thunder, local hail and gale-force wind.
- From July 18 the first tropical nights begin, when the air temperature stays above 20 degrees.
- The real summer peak, around 42 degrees, is expected only near July 24 and 25.
Will you reach for the air conditioning or the umbrella this weekend? Both, one day apart. Friday brings blazing sun and up to 36 degrees, while Saturday delivers a sharp cooldown with showers and hail.
Serbia’s Republic Hydrometeorological Service says the heatwave peaks on Friday. The temperature climbs to 36 degrees, the streets bake, and the asphalt keeps radiating heat into the evening. So start the day early and get the hardest chores done before 10 a.m., while the sun is not yet at full strength.
What exactly arrives on Saturday?
The weather turns fast. From Saturday the atmosphere becomes unstable, so instead of steady heat we get brief showers, thunder and local hail. On top of that comes a strong, at times gale-force wind that can snap a branch or carry off anything left loose on the balcony.
The cooldown will not be the same everywhere. In some places a single cloud will drift past, while elsewhere half an hour of rain will leave the streets white with hail. If you are travelling on Saturday, check the forecast for your specific city before you set off, because the picture changes hour by hour.
There is one more change you will feel in bed. From July 18 the first tropical nights arrive, when the air temperature does not drop below 20 degrees. That means harder falling asleep and poorer rest, so cool your bedroom earlier in the day, while it is not yet hottest outside.
This matters too: the RHMZ warns that the heat raises the risk of wildfires breaking out and spreading. Dry grass, stubble and the smallest spark are a bad mix, so keep the grill and cigarettes far from dry vegetation.
How do you survive a scorching Friday?
Our recommendation is a simple plan you can follow today. The Batut Institute and the emergency service advise avoiding the sun after 10 a.m. and taking in fluids constantly.
Here is what actually helps, step by step:
- Drink water before you feel thirsty, a little and often, not a litre at once.
- Spend the hottest hours, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the shade or indoors.
- Wear light, pale, cotton clothing, plus a cap or a hat.
- If you work outdoors, take short breaks in the shade and do not skip them.
- Never leave children or pets in a parked car, not even for a minute.
Pay special attention to elderly neighbours, small babies and people with chronic illness. The heat hits them hardest, and they often will not ask for help themselves. One phone call or a glass of water goes a long way.
If you think this is already the peak of summer, think again. Meteorologists say the real maximum is still coming, around July 24 and 25, when the mercury could locally climb to 42 degrees. So treat this Friday as an endurance trial before what follows.
How do you get through these blistering city days most easily, with a fan, a cold shower, or an escape to the river?
