Intense heatwave to end across Croatia as cold front to brings storms, hail and winds

Croatia is set for a significant weather change as an intense heatwave comes to an end, with a cold front moving in from the northwest bringing thunderstorms, heavy rain, hail, and a noticeable drop in temperatures.

According to the State Hydrometeorological Service (DHMZ), instability will first develop in inland areas before spreading to the Adriatic during the evening and night, particularly affecting the northern coastal regions.

Thunderstorms, Heavy Rain and Risk of Flooding

As the cold front approaches, showers and thunderstorms are expected to become more frequent and intense from midday onwards. These storms may be slow-moving, increasing the risk of urban and flash flooding.

Meteorologists warn that the atmosphere contains significant energy following days of high temperatures, increasing the likelihood of strong convective storms, locally heavy downpours, and possible hail.

Strong Winds and Sudden Temperature Drop

With the passage of the front, a sharp change in weather conditions is expected. Northern inland areas will see a strong to locally storm-force north and northeast wind, while the northern Adriatic will experience bora winds, which are expected to extend to Dalmatia on Thursday.

Temperatures will fall noticeably, particularly in inland regions, marking the end of the recent heatwave. Daytime highs will generally range between 25°C and 30°C, while coastal areas, including Istria and Dalmatia, may still reach 27°C to 32°C before cooler air arrives.

Weather Warning Issued Nationwide

A weather warning system (meteoalarm) has been activated across Croatia. Authorities caution that thunderstorms may be accompanied by heavy rain, hail, and strong wind gusts.

Potential impacts include localised flash flooding, damage to property and trees, disruptions to transport and outdoor activities and udden strong wind gusts during storm passages.

The unsettled weather is expected to continue into Thursday, with variable cloud cover, rain and thunderstorms, especially in Dalmatia where some storms could be more intense.

On Friday, more stable conditions return along the Adriatic coast with mostly sunny weather, while inland areas may still see occasional showers during the middle of the day.

By Saturday, conditions are expected to stabilise further across most of the country, with predominantly sunny skies.

Winds will remain variable, with moderate to strong northerly and north-easterly winds inland, while the Adriatic will continue to experience episodes of bura, locally strong with storm gusts.