Stiže veliko nevrijeme, DHMZ upalio narančasti meteoalarm: Evo kad kreće i gdje će biti najgore

The Croatian State Hydrological and Meteorological Institute (DHMZ) has issued warnings for deteriorating weather conditions affecting much of Croatia over the coming days, with the most severe impacts expected along the Adriatic coast. After a period of stable and mostly sunny weather, strong winds, heavy rain, and thunderstorms are forecasted. Meteorologists warn of potential local flooding, high waves, and disruptions to maritime traffic. The worst weather conditions are anticipated midweek, with gusts of wind reaching speeds of up to 95 kilometers per hour. DHMZ has issued orange-level warnings for all six maritime areas of the Adriatic, while different levels of warnings have been issued for seven coastal counties. Special caution is advised at sea, where strong winds and high waves could lead to the suspension of some ferry and catamaran routes. Warnings take effect Tuesday The initial warnings become effective starting tomorrow, Tuesday, October 20. DHMZ has issued yellow warnings for the Istrian, Primorsko-Goranska, Zadar, Šibenik-Knin, and Split-Dalmatia counties due to strong south winds. These warnings apply from 9 p.m. until midnight, with the wind intensifying during the night into Wednesday. Tuesday will largely remain sunny across most of Croatia, though changes in weather will gradually be felt along the Adriatic. South winds will strengthen during the afternoon, beginning on the islands. In the northern Adriatic and the Gorski Kotar region, there will be occasional cloudiness, which will spread along the coast in the evening. Light to moderate southerly and southwest winds will blow inland, with southeast winds near the easternmost regions. Morning temperatures in the interior will range from 2 to 7 degrees Celsius, while coastal areas and islands will see temperatures between 11 and 16 degrees. Maximum daily temperatures are generally expected to range between 18 and 23 degrees Celsius. Orange warnings for the entire Adriatic on Wednesday The most severe deterioration in weather is expected on Wednesday, October 21. DHMZ has issued orange warnings for all six maritime areas of the Adriatic, west coast of Istria, Kvarner and Kvarnerić, the Velebit Channel, and northern, central, and southern Dalmatia, due to storm-force south winds. Strong, occasionally very strong south winds with gales ranging between 65 and 95 kilometers per hour are expected. On the west coast of Istria, Kvarner, Kvarnerić, and southern Dalmatia, orange warnings apply throughout Wednesday. In the Velebit Channel, these warnings last until 2 p.m., and in the area of northern and central Dalmatia until 6 p.m. Yellow warnings have simultaneously been issued for all seven Adriatic counties due to strong south winds with gales. Orange level applies to maritime areas, while yellow warnings apply to county areas. Possible disruptions to ferry and catamaran services Due to strong south winds on Wednesday, high waves and unfavorable sailing conditions are expected. DHMZ warns that many ferries and catamarans likely will not operate. Special caution is recommended for owners of smaller vessels and less experienced sailors, who are advised to seek sheltered harbors promptly. Travelers planning to travel by sea on Wednesday are advised to check the status of ferry and catamaran routes before departure, as cancellations and delays are possible. Heavy rain, possible local floods Wednesday brings more pronounced thunderstorms with lightning, and heavy rain in short periods is expected in some areas. For the Primorsko-Goranska county, DHMZ has issued a yellow warning for localized heavy rain, valid from Wednesday at 6 a.m. until midnight. Meteorologists warn of the possibility of localized flooding of a small number of buildings, difficult driving conditions due to wet roads and reduced visibility, and disruption of some outdoor activities. In Istria, Primorsko-Goranska, and Licko-Senjska counties, more pronounced thunderstorms with lightning can occur between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Heaviest rainfall in Dalmatia in the afternoon and evening In Zadar and Šibenik-Knin counties, warnings have been issued regarding possible more pronounced thunderstorms.