The summer of 2024 has been recorded as the hottest in the Balkans in over 130 years. This unprecedented heat has led to severe droughts and widespread wildfires, causing significant damage across the region.
Record-Breaking Temperatures
Meteorologists have confirmed that the Balkans experienced the highest temperatures since records began over a century ago. Prolonged periods with temperatures exceeding 30°C (86°F) and nights that did not cool below 20°C (68°F) have caused average temperatures to reach unprecedented levels. This extreme heat has been attributed to a subtropical warm winds from the Mediterranean Sea and Western Africa.
Impact of Drought
The intense heat has resulted in a severe drought, drying up rivers and lakes across the region. In Serbia, the Rusanda salty lake, known for its therapeutic mud, has completely dried out. Agricultural lands have suffered immensely, with crops shriveling and farmland scorched. The lack of rainfall throughout July and August has exacerbated the situation, leaving many areas without sufficient water supplies.
Wildfires Across the Region
The combination of high temperatures and dry conditions has sparked numerous wildfires. Croatia, North Macedonia, and Albania have been particularly hard-hit, with firefighters facing some of the toughest conditions in recent memory. In Croatia, authorities reported their most challenging day of the season as they battled to contain the blazes. North Macedonia has even considered seeking assistance from NATO to manage the crisis.
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The summer of 2024 has highlighted the vulnerability of the Balkans to extreme weather events. The record-breaking heat, coupled with severe drought and rampant wildfires, underscores the urgent need for effective climate action and disaster preparedness in the region.