Severe storms near Croatia: Over 14,000 lightning strikes recorded in Slovenia

Slovenia is bracing for a potential return of severe weather, as meteorologists warn that unstable conditions could re-emerge by Sunday. This follows intense thunderstorms and heavy hail that battered parts of the country on Thursday, leaving a trail of damage and briefly covering some areas in white.

Residents in areas like Jeruzalem near Ormož, Šempeter, Ljutomer, Ivanjkovci, and Litija reported significant hailstorms. The Slovenian Civil Protection and Rescue Administration noted fallen trees due to strong winds in Kanal, Litija, Slovenj Gradec, and Slovenska Bistrica. In some locations, the accumulation of small hail was so substantial that it momentarily whitened the ground.

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The most stormy days were June 20 and July 11, when more than 14,000 lightning strikes were recorded over Slovenia.

According to the Meteoinfo Slovenia portal, this year has already seen 44 days with thunderstorms. The most severe days were June 20 and July 11, during which over 14,000 lightning strikes were recorded across Slovenia. The municipality of Ajdovščina registered the highest density of lightning strikes between June 1 and the present, with nearly 16 strikes per square kilometer.

While the storm systems began to calm from the north on Thursday evening, the last of the storm clouds moved over Celje and Krško, approaching Zagreb, where strong winds and thunderstorms were recorded late at night. Meteorologists are now forecasting a renewed possibility of storms for Slovenia and parts of northwestern Croatia starting Sunday, with showers and thunderstorms expected.

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The highest density of lightning strikes from June 1 to today was measured in the municipality of Ajdovščina, almost 16 strikes per square kilometer, while the lowest was recorded in the municipality of Rogaška Slatina.