WINDS OF CROATIA
The coast of is littered with islands and is therefore a boating paradise. For this reason the winds that blow over the country should be taken into account.
Since olden days fisherman have been reading the signs nature gives them, looking to the sky to predict what the weather is going to be like overnight or the next day, they will usually know the best place to anchor for the night.
NORTH-EASTERLY WIND
A cold wind from the continent called the “Bura” comes from the eastern
Adriatic towards the sea and brings bright weather with it.
It starts abruptly, blows in squalls and is at its strongest in the Velebit Channel and the
Gulf of
Trieste. At the coast it can reach 40-50 knots, even more in winter.
In summer it only lasts a few days, but in winter may blow for up to a fortnight! If the wind is local it may start abruptly and stop all within 24hrs.
A north-easterly wind called the “Burin” blows in the summer months from the mainland.
SOUTH WIND
A warm wind from the south-east called the “jugo” or “sirocco” brings clouds and rain. It starts slowly, beginning to develop for 2 or 3 days with a drop in the air pressure.
It usually lasts longer than the north-easterly, from 5-7 days. It is more frequent in the south of the country but in winter blows in the north as well.
NORTH-WESTERLY WIND
The “Maestral” is a local wind, blowing from the sea, mainly in summer.
It will usually start around mid-morning and reach its peak around mid-afternoon, to die down around sunset.
It brings good weather and white, fluffy clouds.
LANDWARD BREEZE
A soft, gentle breeze enjoyed by everyone. Coming from the northeast it is friendly to sailors and sunbathers alike, taking the edge of the heat of the summer.
It is usual from spring to autumn, being strongest in July and August.
It will start around 9 or 10 in the morning, reaching its peak in the afternoon and ending at sunset.
WEATHER FORECASTS
The actual weather forecast of the State Hydrometeorological Institute or its Maritime Meteorological Service in Split, which has been around for fifty years, is constantly emitted to channels of coastal radio stations and port authorities. They are updated three times a day, at 5, 12 and 18 hr and they apply to the first twelve and second twelve hours counting from the time it is repeated.
Marine coastal radio stations emit the weather forecast exactly at the determined UTC time. Port authorities continuously emit weather reports and warnings for mariners on their VHF channels. The report is automatically repeated in four languages with a short interval between each cycle and they are updated four times a day.
A vital communication when sailing, is also given in regular bulletins on the radio. Coastal radio stations; Rijeka Radio, Split Radio and Dubrovnik Radio give forecasts three times a day in English as well as the national language.
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