DHMZ has set up a weather alert for a large part of Croatia, a severe thunderstorm is coming: here's when it starts and where it will be worst

The National Hydrometeorological Service (DHMZ) has issued orange and yellow weather warnings for much of Croatia, warning of severe thunderstorms, strong winds, and potential hail throughout Wednesday and Thursday, September 9 and 10, 2026. The alert covers several regions, with the highest level of caution for the River Basin area, where heavy rainfall and localized flooding are possible. On Wednesday, gradual clouding will begin from the west, accompanied by light rain and showers with thunder, which could become more intense later in the day. The northern Adriatic region, particularly Istria, is expected to experience the strongest instability, with thunderstorms likely. Temperatures will range from 13 to 18 degrees Celsius inland and 20 to 25 degrees along the coast, while daytime highs will reach 28 to 33 degrees, with warmer conditions expected in the east. Winds will initially be weak to moderate from the southwest and south, becoming stronger and possibly gusty at higher elevations and over the sea. By nightfall, winds in the interior will shift to the north, with occasional strong and stormy gusts. From 15 to 24 hours on Wednesday, an orange warning will remain active for the River Basin area due to locally intense showers with thunder, potential hail, wind speeds exceeding 65 kilometers per hour, and thunderstorms, especially in Istria. The probability of thunderstorms exceeds 70 percent during this time. Yellow warnings are also in effect for the Zagreb, Karlovac, and Gospić regions, with a high likelihood of thunderstorms, with probabilities ranging from 50 to 60 percent. These warnings emphasize the possibility of strong winds and localized flooding. On Thursday, the unstable weather and thunderstorms will spread across the entire country. The River Basin area will continue under orange alert, with thunderstorms likely, occasional strong winds, hail, and more than 50 millimeters of rainfall, with a thunderstorm probability exceeding 80 percent. Yellow alerts will extend to the Zagreb, Karlovac, Gospić, and Osijek regions in the morning and early afternoon, with localized heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. In the Knin and Split regions, yellow alerts will remain active throughout Thursday due to pronounced showers, thunder, occasional strong winds, and potential hail, with thunderstorm probabilities between 60 and 70 percent. Along the coast, from western Istria, the Kvarner and Kvarnerić areas, and the Velebit Channel to northern Dalmatia, the DHMZ warns of strong southerly and southwesterly winds turning into gales, with peak gusts reaching 35 to 45 knots, equivalent to 65 to 85 kilometers per hour. Civil Protection authorities have also issued warnings, advising citizens to prepare for severe weather conditions, including potential local flash floods, strong gusts, and hail. They recommend taking precautions during thunderstorms, staying safe from lightning strikes, and being aware of possible disruptions to transportation and outdoor activities. Temperatures will still remain relatively high, with morning temperatures ranging from 13 to 18 degrees Celsius inland and 20 to 25 degrees along the coast. Daytime temperatures will generally reach 28 to 33 degrees, with potentially warmer conditions in the east. The National Hydrometeorological Service advises residents to regularly monitor weather forecasts and alerts via their website. Heavy rainfall is expected, particularly in western parts of the country, with the risk of flash and urban flooding. With the passage of a cold front, there will also be a noticeable cooling trend.