The Croatian Bureau of Statistics reported a 13% increase in deaths in July this year compared to last, with experts attributing this result to extreme heatwaves. Prolonged high temperatures and drought have also severely impacted crop yields across Croatia, particularly in the eastern region of Slavonia and along the coast.
Crops such as corn, sunflower, soy, sugar beet, tangerines, medlar, and grapes have seen significant declines. In some continental areas, corn and sunflower losses have reached 70-90%, raising concerns for the meat and dairy industries due to rising fodder prices. The extended drought has nearly dried out the Orljava River, prompting locals to save fish populations before the river recovers.
On the coast, grape harvests have begun earlier than usual, affecting the chemical composition of the wine, though the quality is expected to remain high. In the Neretva River delta, tangerine yields are down by up to 50%, with smaller, wrinkled fruit despite irrigation efforts. Medlar fruit has suffered catastrophic losses.
The combination of extreme heat and drought is raising alarms for both public health and agricultural stability in the region.