Croatia Expects Warmer Spring Weather Despite Late April Snow

The Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service has forecasted a rise in temperatures starting Friday, April 26, 2024, signaling a transition to warmer spring weather. This comes despite predictions of additional snowfall in the upcoming days.

Croatia is bracing for an unusual late-April cold snap, which is part of a pattern of extreme weather gripping much of Europe this month. Climatologist Maximiliano Herrera described April 2024 as "the most extreme month ever seen in Europe," with the continent experiencing a drastic flip from record-breaking summer-like temperatures to late-April cold records and frost.

The forecast from the Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service provides a comprehensive overview, including information about the Beaufort scale, which measures wind speed and wave height, as well as details about the Adriatic sub-basins. The service remains the authoritative source for weather information in Croatia.

Why this matters: The late-April cold snap and snowfall could have significant impacts on agriculture in Croatia and across Europe, particularly for fruit trees and vineyards. The damage caused by the frost and snow may have lasting effects on crops and the agricultural sector.

Despite the current cold weather, a return to warmer temperatures is expected across much of Europe by April 28 and 29. "Snow is expected in the upcoming days, even as temperatures are forecasted to rise starting Friday, April 26, 2024," stated the Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service in their report.

The cold weather has already challenged drivers in Croatia, with many switching back to winter tires due to heavy snowfalls at higher altitudes. Fruit farmers in the Balkan states are also concerned about their summer harvests after temperatures plunged from near-record highs to unseasonal lows. Croatian fruit farmer Franjo Crnković said the sudden drop in temperature has destroyed their fruits.

Key Takeaways

• Croatia to see rise in temps starting April 26, 2024, despite forecasted snow.
• April 2024 described as "most extreme month ever seen in Europe" by climatologist.
• Late-April cold snap and snowfall may significantly impact agriculture in Croatia and Europe.
• Drivers in Croatia switching back to winter tires due to heavy snowfall at higher altitudes.
• Sudden temperature drop has destroyed fruits for Croatian fruit farmers.