As summer heat lures Banja Luka residents to the banks of the Vrbas River in search of refreshment, many wonder when this mountain river has been at its warmest.
Meteorological data reveals interesting details about the temperature of both the water and the air in the city on the Vrbas.
Last summer brought the warmest recorded temperature of the Vrbas River in Banja Luka since measurements began. The highest measured water temperature was recorded on August 15, 2024, reaching 24.1°C.
This figure is part of a series of extremely warm periods, as last summer—with an average temperature of 24.8°C in June, July, and August—was declared the hottest on record.
Temperature records of the Vrbas and air
Although Vrbas is classified as a cold mountain river, it is not immune to summer heat waves. High air temperatures often accompany a rise in water temperature. In recent years, Banja Luka has witnessed several broken air temperature records.
The highest recorded air temperature in the city occurred in August 2017, reaching 41.8°C. Other extreme air temperatures were recorded in July 2013 (41.6°C), September 2015 (40.2°C), and June 2021 (39.3°C).
According to data from the Republika Srpska Hydrometeorological Institute, Vrbas’ temperature has varied over the years, but the trend of global warming is evident even in this mountain river. Generally, in summer months—especially July and August, when air temperatures peak—Vrbas reaches its maximums. In previous years, the following maximum water temperatures were recorded:
- 2007: 21.5°C
- 2012: 21.7°C
- 2016: 22.7°C
- 2017: 23.5°C
- 2020: 22.4°C
- 2021: 22.6°C
- 2022: 23.3°C
When was Vrbas completely frozen?
In spring and autumn, the water temperature is significantly lower, and in winter, although rare, ice can form in the slower parts of the river. One of the most striking historical records of extreme cold in Banja Luka dates back to 1893. Historical notes mention the period from January 14 to 19 as disastrous for fruit farming. During that time, the Vrbas River in the Trapisti area was completely frozen—so much so that heavily loaded horse-drawn wagons could cross over it.
Source: See Srpska
