Featured image: Heatwave warnings in Croatia/CU
A powerful storm caused sudden sea-level changes along parts of the Croatian coast, while heatwave warnings in Croatia have been upgraded for the Adriatic region ahead of another very hot weekend.
The storm crossed the open waters of the northern and central Adriatic on Wednesday evening, producing rapid rises and falls in sea level from Istria to the central Dalmatian islands.
On Wednesday evening, the sea level in Stari Grad on Hvar rose sharply before suddenly falling and leaving some smaller boats on the seabed.
The unusual event is commonly described as a meteotsunami. According to the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, IZOR, unlike a conventional tsunami caused by an underwater earthquake, a meteotsunami is triggered by rapid changes in air pressure and strong atmospheric disturbances, causing sudden oscillations in sea level.
Strong winds also caused problems elsewhere along the coast. Firefighters in the Zadar archipelago responded to fallen trees and branches, as well as overturned sailing boats, while a powerful storm struck Sukošan at around 10 pm.
A wind gust of approximately 115 kilometres per hour was measured by the Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service in Lošinj.
Thunderstorm and heatwave warnings in Croatia
The Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service, DHMZ, has issued yellow weather warnings for almost the entire country on Thursday, July 16.
Most inland regions are under a thunderstorm warning, with locally intense downpours possible around midday and during the afternoon. People are advised to take extra care in exposed areas, while some outdoor activities may be disrupted.
The Knin region is the only part of Croatia without a yellow warning. In Dubrovnik, the warning relates to high temperatures, while Split and Rijeka remain under heat alerts after an earlier overnight warning for thunderstorms and strong wind gusts.
Temperatures in those coastal regions may exceed 34°C, with overnight lows remaining above 24°C, creating additional health risks for older people and young children.
Thunderstorms inland, sunnier along the coast
Inland Croatia will see changeable conditions on Thursday, with sunny intervals interrupted by rain and thunderstorms that could become locally intense around midday and in the early afternoon.
The coast will be sunnier and mostly dry, although isolated afternoon thunderstorms remain possible. A moderate northwesterly wind is expected on the Adriatic, becoming strong around parts of the Dalmatian islands.
Temperatures will generally range from 29°C to 34°C. On the central and southern Adriatic, wind gusts may reach around 35 knots and the sea could become slightly to moderately rough.
Temperatures to rise further on Friday
Friday will be partly sunny across Croatia and mostly sunny along the Adriatic coast.
Cloud cover will increase over inland areas during the second half of the day, bringing another possibility of local rain and thunderstorms.
More intense storms are possible in central Croatia toward the evening and may be accompanied by temporarily strong winds.
During the night from Friday into Saturday, thunderstorms could also develop over eastern Croatia and the northern Adriatic.
Morning temperatures will range from 16°C to 20°C inland and between 22°C and 26°C along the coast. Daytime highs will reach between 30°C and 35°C.
Orange heat warnings issued for the coast
The heat will become the main weather concern along the coast on Friday and Saturday.
Orange warnings have been issued for the entire Croatian Adriatic region on both days, indicating potentially dangerous conditions for human health. The most serious heatwave warnings in Croatia apply to the Rijeka, Split and Dubrovnik regions, where particularly high temperatures are expected.
Temperatures in the Rijeka region may reach around 34°C, while Dubrovnik could record highs of approximately 33°C. The Split region is expected to be the hottest, with maximum temperatures reaching around 35°C.
DHMZ has warned that the heat may create a significant health risk for vulnerable groups, particularly older people, young children and those with existing health conditions.
People are advised to follow guidance from the relevant authorities, remain hydrated and avoid unnecessary physical activity during the hottest part of the day.
Very warm nights are also expected along parts of the coast, offering little relief from the daytime heat.
Visitors planning hiking trips, sightseeing or other outdoor activities should consider starting early in the morning, carrying sufficient water and avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during the afternoon.
Weather warnings can change as conditions develop, so travellers should check the latest DHMZ forecast before setting out, particularly when planning boat journeys or outdoor activities.
The latest heatwave warnings in Croatia come as the World Health Organization warns that Europe could face more deadly weeks of extreme heat this summer.
