By: P.T., STA
The Environment Agency (ARSO) has warned of high temperatures in the coming days, with the heat wave expected to peak on Saturday, when temperatures could climb up to 39 degrees Celsius. Some cooling off is expected during the night on Sunday and the heat wave is forecast to end next Tuesday or Wednesday.
In addition to south-western Slovenia, the ARSO has issued the highest heat alert level for central and south-eastern Slovenia.
“Temperatures are expected to reach around 38 degrees, perhaps even 39, which could be a heat record for July, in particular for central Slovenia,” said meteorologist Brane Gregorčič.
The highest temperature ever measured in Ljubljana in July is 37.6 degrees Celsius, which could be exceeded on Saturday, while record-breaking temperatures are also expected in other parts of the country.
Slightly lower temperatures, with the exception of the western region of Primorska, are expected during the night on Sunday.
A drop in temperatures and the most likely end of the heat wave is forecast for next Tuesday and Wednesday. The cooling off will bring some precipitation that Gregorčič said could at least partly alleviate the current drought.
“The last month that was at least somewhat wet in western and central Slovenia was April,” he said, noting that the drought was most pronounced in Primorska and certain parts of the northern Gorenjska region and in Notranjska (SW).
Hydrologist Andrej Golob noted that the expected rainfall in the coming week would alleviate water shortages, but would not fully solve the issue of groundwater shortage. This would require several consecutive rainy spells, he added.
No strong winds are expected today and on Friday. Nevertheless, a mistral is expected to blow from the sea to the heated inland area during the day. A weak bora is also forecast for Friday, blowing in the opposite direction of the mistral.
The major wildfire in Kras has caused the air quality in the area to deteriorate, while poorer air quality is also reported in the areas of the Koper, Postojna and Nova Gorica municipalities, the office of the mayor of Koper announced.