WHEN WAS THE VRBAS RIVER WARMEST?

As summer heat drives Banja Luka residents to the shores of the Vrbas River in search of refreshment, many are wondering — when was this mountain river at its warmest?

According to meteorological data, the warmest temperature ever recorded in the Vrbas was measured on August 15, 2024, when the water reached 24.1°C, marking a historic peak since temperature recordings began.

This remarkable figure came during one of the hottest summers on record. The summer of 2024 was declared the warmest ever in Banja Luka, with an average air temperature of 24.8°C across June, July, and August.

VRBAS RIVER AND AIR TEMPERATURE RECORDS

Although the Vrbas is known as a cold mountain river, it is not immune to the effects of heatwaves. Rising air temperatures often bring increases in water temperature as well. Over recent years, Banja Luka has seen several record-breaking highs.

The highest air temperature ever recorded in the city occurred in August 2017, reaching 41.8°C. Other scorching records include 41.6°C in July 2013, 40.2°C in September 2015, and 39.3°C in June 2021.

According to the Hydrometeorological Institute of Republika Srpska, the temperature of the Vrbas has varied over time, but a clear warming trend is visible, even in this alpine river. Here are some other notable summer water temperature highs:

21.5°C in 2007

21.7°C in 2012

22.7°C in 2016

23.5°C in 2017

22.4°C in 2020

22.6°C in 2021

23.3°C in 2022

WHEN DID THE VRBAS FREEZE SOLID?

During spring and fall, the water temperature drops significantly, while in winter, parts of the river may occasionally freeze, especially in slower stretches. One of the most striking historical cold snaps occurred in January 1893.

Historical records mention the period from January 14 to 19 as devastating for fruit growers, with such severe cold that the Vrbas River at Trapisti froze completely, allowing horse-drawn carts loaded with goods to cross the ice.