White Christmas on the cards for Croatia for first time in over a decade

Zagreb

Croatia could experience its first white Christmas in more than a decade, according to the latest weather forecasts, with snow expected in parts of the country during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

After weeks of relatively mild and stable December weather, a significant shift is underway with a marked drop in temperatures overnight on Christmas Eve, bringing the possibility of snow across continental and mountainous regions.

Meteorologists point to a major change in the wider European weather pattern.

Severe Weather Europe reports the formation of a pronounced “Rex block” over the continent, with a strong high-pressure system over northern Europe and a cold-core cyclone lingering over the Mediterranean.

This setup will reverse airflow and allow colder air to spread into Central Europe and Croatia.

Forecast models indicate a cold front passing overnight from Christmas Eve into Christmas Day. In inland Croatia, rain is expected to turn into sleet and snow, while Gorski kotar and Lika could see proper snow cover.

Zagreb and parts of north-western Croatia also have a chance of light snow, potentially producing a thin white blanket.

The State Hydrometeorological Institute (DHMZ) confirms similar expectations. Today will be mostly cloudy with rain, particularly along the Adriatic.

Overnight, temperatures will fall, and snow may begin near the Slovenian border and in higher elevations.

On Christmas Eve, colder air will continue to arrive from the north, increasing the likelihood of snow even in some lowland areas.

Along the Adriatic, strong to storm-force bura winds are forecast, with locally hurricane-strength gusts below Velebit. DHMZ warns of difficult travel conditions due to snow, strong winds and drifting snow, especially in mountainous areas and on the northern Adriatic.