Storms, hail threaten Croatia as orange alert issued

Croatia is set to experience a notable shift in weather as a cold front approaches from the west, bringing a forecast of increased cloud cover, rain, thunderstorms, and potentially severe weather. The Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ) has issued warnings for several regions.

By the end of the day, heavier clouds are expected to move in, accompanied by rain, showers, and thunderstorms, particularly in the northern inland areas where localized storms are possible. While Dalmatia is expected to remain mostly sunny, the rest of the country will see a change. Winds will shift from weak to moderate northerly and northeasterly, strengthening significantly overnight to become very strong. Coastal areas will experience moderate to strong southerly and southwesterly winds, with strong northerly winds expected near Velebit.

Orange alerts have been issued for the Zagreb, Karlovac, and Gospić regions, signaling a risk of strong, gusty northerly and northeasterly winds, and the possibility of severe weather, including hail. These alerts indicate a heightened risk of hazardous conditions. The DHMZ forecasts that Thursday will continue to bring variable weather, with localized heavy showers and thunderstorms, especially in the north.

Temperatures are expected to drop considerably compared to previous days. Mornings in the interior are predicted to be particularly cool, with daytime highs generally ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, slightly higher in Dalmatia. The approaching front is expected to bring instability, with the potential for storms, though the northern Adriatic may see less intense activity compared to inland areas. By Friday, the weather is expected to become sunnier, though localized showers may still occur inland.