This post explains the extreme heat and drought conditions that struck Sarajevo, Bosnia on August 10, 2025. It focuses on visible environmental impacts, public-health warnings, and the broader climatic context across Southeastern Europe.
Drawing on decades of experience in climate and hydrology, I outline what happened and practical steps residents and authorities can take now and in the coming years.
What happened in Sarajevo on August 10, 2025
On that day Sarajevo endured an intense heatwave and an advancing drought that left the Miljacka River nearly dry. Temperatures soared to levels unusually high for this region.
The Federal Hydrometeorological Institute publicly highlighted the severity of the weather. Despite winds blowing from the west and southwest in the southern parts of the country, and from the east and northeast elsewhere, the airflow did little to alleviate the heat.
The persistent high temperatures and reduced river flow combined to create visible ecological signs. These are disturbingly familiar to those who study dryland hydrology.
Local impacts: Miljacka River and daily life
The most striking image from Sarajevo was the exposed bed of the Miljacka River. Algae growth along the exposed sections signalled stagnant pools and prolonged warming — a classic indicator that flow volumes are insufficient to flush organic material.
For residents, the heatwave disrupted daily life and raised the risk of heat-related illnesses. Local authorities issued warnings urging people to limit outdoor exposure, stay hydrated, and check on vulnerable neighbors.
City services must also contend with increased demand: more frequent heat-related medical calls, stress on electricity for cooling, and potential water-use restrictions if municipal supplies decline.
Why this heatwave matters
Events like Sarajevo’s August heatwave are not isolated anomalies. They fit into a pattern of extreme weather affecting much of Southeastern Europe this summer.
What used to be rare high-temperature episodes are becoming more frequent and intense. That trend has measurable consequences for water resources, ecosystems, and public health.
Regional context and the role of climate change
Scientists and officials increasingly point to climate change as a driver that is likely raising both the frequency and the intensity of heatwaves and droughts. Warmer baseline temperatures mean heat events that used to be exceptional now occur more often.
Prolonged dry spells reduce river flows and groundwater recharge, amplifying ecological stress. The Federal Hydrometeorological Institute’s warnings align with broader regional observations: prolonged drought conditions across multiple river basins, reduced agricultural yields, and higher wildfire risk.
In these circumstances, even winds that might normally cool an area can be insufficient when a large-scale high-pressure system traps hot air in place.
What residents and authorities can do
Immediate protective measures and longer-term adaptation are both essential. Rapid response can reduce health impacts this season, while systemic changes will build resilience against future events.
Immediate actions and longer-term adaptation
Here are practical steps that can be taken now and incorporated into planning for the future:
Here is the source article for this story: Bosnia Extreme Weather Heat