Sarajevo Endures 39°C Heat as Residents and Tourists Adapt
Sarajevo hits 39°C as tourists and locals cope with extreme heat, sparking concerns about climate change.
Sarajevo is moving at a slower pace as Bosnia-Herzegovina grapples with a prolonged spell of extreme heat and drought. Thermometers in the downtown area hit 39 degrees Celsius (102 Fahrenheit) on Tuesday, pushing residents and visitors alike to seek refuge in the shade.
Despite the scorching conditions, the city's streets remained active. Tourists, armed with parasols and fans, continued to explore the old town, pausing frequently at public fountains to refill water bottles. "It is hot today, yes, but, I'm a tourist here so I have to go out and see and look at the sights. It's tolerable because this place is beautiful," said Raissa Segovia, a visitor from the Philippines.
Local resident Vezirka Sirotanovic noted the practical challenges of the heatwave, especially for those who cannot stay indoors. "Of course if people can stay out of the heat during the hottest part of the day, that's the best option. What about people who have to work, they still have to work and we need to find ways to protect them from these extreme temperatures," she said.
The heatwave is part of a broader pattern affecting Europe since May, contributing to wildfires, drought, and new national temperature records. Some visitors linked the conditions to human activity. "We have neglected to take care of our surroundings, our natural resources, we've managed to deplete a lot of them and we have no respect for nature. And that's probably why this is happening," suggested Mandy Ocampo, another tourist from the Philippines.
Climate data indicates that 2026 is currently the third-hottest year on record, trailing 2024 and 2025. Scientists warn that a combination of human-caused warming and a strong El Nino could push this year to the top of the list by December.