DHMZ issues several heat wave and severe weather warnings

The heat wave has affected the northern Adriatic and part of Dalmatia, and is expected to reach the south of the country by the evening. However, there are no indications that this will be a repeat of the heat experienced in the beginning of July. What is of concern is the increased probability of severe storms. As such the State Hydro-meteorological Institute (DHMZ) has issued several warnings.

A yellow alarm has been activated for the Zagreb, Osijek, Karlovac and Gospić regions due to the risk of thunderstorms and high temperatures. An orange warning has been issued for the Rijeka region due to very strong winds and extremely high temperatures, while the rest of Croatia has been issued a yellow warning due to extremely high temperatures. As for Monday, a red alert has been activated for the Split region, which means extremely dangerous weather due to high temperatures.

Coastal parts of the country are in the midst of a heat wave. However, meteorologists expect cooler temperatures to arrive within the next few days. Meteorologist at the Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service, Kristina Klemenčić Novinc: "The warm temperatures are being registered throughout the country. However, for a heat wave to be declared both temperature and duration criteria must be met. So a heat wave lasts at least three days. So in continental Croatia there is no heat wave. However as of yesterday there is a heat wave on the northern Adriatic and parts of Dalmatia, and this will reach southern Dalmatia by the end of the day. A respite will arrive in eastern, central and mountainous regions by tomorrow, while on the coast, the heat wave will remain in effect until Thursday."

However, the high temperatures have increased the chance of severe storms. As such, the National Meteorological Service has issued several warnings.

"A weakened frontal system is approaching Croatia, which, when it arrives on this kind of warm terrain could cause strong convective systems that brings with a chance of severe storms. Warnings have been issued for the Dalmatian hinterland and central, eastern and mountainous regions in Croatia. As for the heat, the warning applies for the entire country, albeit, the higher warning level is for the coast, where an orange warning has been issued for today, and a red warning for tomorrow," Klemenčić Novinc concluded.

Source: HRT