Heavy traffic and rising temperatures kickoff summer tourist season

Heavy traffic was recorded across Croatian toll roads on Saturday as thousands of travellers headed towards holiday destinations along the Adriatic coast during the first major weekend of the summer tourist season.

The seasonal surge in traffic has been further boosted by the Anti-Fascist Struggle Day public holiday on Monday, creating congestion on major routes leading to the coast.

The Ministry of the Interior has urged motorists to remain patient, follow traffic regulations and allow extra time for travel. Police presence has been increased on key roads to help maintain traffic flow and sanction traffic violations.

Authorities have also indicated that a police helicopter may be deployed if necessary to monitor conditions from the air and assist traffic management efforts.

Strong passenger numbers are also being recorded across Croatia's transport network.

More than 114,000 passengers are expected to pass through Split Airport and the Port of Split over the extended holiday weekend. Around 190 commercial flights are scheduled during the period, alongside an additional 20 to 30 private aircraft.

Mate Melvan, head of passenger arrivals and departures at Split Airport, said the airport is currently connected to 85 destinations in 26 countries through direct flights.

Maritime transport operators are also reporting a significant increase in demand. Jadrolinija coordinator in Split Jelena Ivulić said passenger traffic rose sharply on Friday, prompting the company to introduce two additional ferry services in addition to its 14 regular island routes.

The busy travel weekend coincides with Croatia's first heat wave of the year, with temperatures expected to continue rising over the coming days.

In some parts of the country, temperatures had already reached 29 degrees Celsius by 9 a.m. on Saturday.

According to the State Hydrometeorological Institute (DHMZ), conditions will remain mostly sunny and hot, with daytime temperatures ranging between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius. High-temperature warnings have been issued for the Rijeka, Split and Dubrovnik regions.

While most of the country will remain dry, isolated afternoon showers are possible in inland areas, particularly in Gorski Kotar. Winds are expected to remain generally light, with a moderate southwesterly breeze along the Adriatic coast.

Health experts are advising residents and visitors to take precautions during the heat wave by drinking fluids regularly, even when not feeling thirsty.

They also recommend avoiding direct exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and spending as much time as possible in shaded or air-conditioned environments.