After a period of unstable weather, Croatia is set to experience another wave of extreme heat, with temperatures potentially reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius by the end of the week. This follows a recent storm system that affected coastal areas, though no severe consequences have been reported so far. Meanwhile, the town of Stari Grad on the island of Hvar has already suffered four instances of meteotsunamis within ten days, a rare phenomenon linked to intense storm systems over the Adriatic Sea. The storm system, which impacted parts of Croatia earlier this week, was accompanied by a yellow warning issued by the Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ). Despite the alert, there were no major incidents reported. The storm activity primarily occurred over Italy before moving across the Adriatic Sea toward Croatia’s coast, resulting in localized thunderstorms and light rain showers. However, these effects were less severe than initially feared. According to Petra Mikuš Jurković, deputy director of the DHMZ, the situation remained under control, with no serious damage reported. She emphasized that while caution was still necessary, particularly during the evening and overnight hours, the weather was expected to stabilize by Monday. Meteotsunamis, which caused flooding in Stari Grad and other coastal towns, are rare occurrences typically associated with sudden changes in atmospheric pressure due to passing storms. These disturbances create small waves on open water that can grow significantly as they approach enclosed bays and harbors. In particular, locations such as Stari Grad and Vela Luka are more prone to such phenomena due to their geographical features. According to Mikuš Jurković, the frequency of meteotsunamis this year is unusual, with four recorded incidents in just over two weeks. Looking ahead, a new heatwave is expected to hit Croatia starting midweek, with temperatures rising steadily throughout the week. By Thursday, a yellow heat warning had already been issued, indicating potential health risks in certain regions. While current conditions remain relatively mild, forecasts suggest that temperatures could climb above 35 degrees Celsius by the weekend, with some areas possibly experiencing temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius by the end of the week. Meteorologist Bojan Lipovšćak from N1 Television outlined the upcoming weather patterns, noting that an area of low pressure has moved north of Croatia, bringing cooler air to inland regions and northern parts of the Adriatic. This shift resulted in temperatures dropping below 20 degrees Celsius in some areas after a prolonged period of warm nights. Currently, the low-pressure system is positioned over southern Dalmatia, gradually moving eastward with minimal thunderstorm activity. From Tuesday through the end of the following week, stable and sunny conditions are anticipated, leading to a gradual increase in temperatures. By the end of the week, maximum temperatures along the Adriatic coast are forecasted to reach around 35 degrees Celsius, while some inland areas might see temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius. This pattern aligns with broader trends indicating warmer-than-average summers and years, according to Lipovšćak. For the immediate future, today's weather will mostly be sunny with limited cloud cover, although brief thunderstorms may occur in mountainous regions. Maximum temperatures are expected to range from approximately 24 degrees Celsius in inland areas to 28 degrees Celsius on the northern Adriatic coast, with 32 degrees Celsius possible in central and southern regions. Light northerly winds will prevail inland, while stronger winds, including occasional gales, will affect the Adriatic coastline. Tomorrow, Saturday, will bring a cooler morning with temperatures ranging from 8 to 12 degrees Celsius in inland areas and 18 to 21 degrees Celsius along the Adriatic coast. However, daytime temperatures are expected to rise to between 27 and 32 degrees Celsius. Light northwest winds will blow inland, while the Adriatic breeze will weaken and turn into a strong maestral wind later in the afternoon. Sunday will start with increased cloud cover from the northwest, accompanied by a change in wind direction to southwest and south. Inland areas will be predominantly cloudy with a slight chance of rain, while the northern Adriatic will experience early morning rain that will quickly move towards the central and southern Adriatic in the form of showers. Heavier rainfall is possible in Istria, Kvarner, Gorski Kotar, and near Zadar. The sea breeze has slightly disturbed the surface of the sea, causing a slight drop in sea temperatures, measured between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius.
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