Adriatic Weather
Adriatic: Winds
The most common and well known winds in the Adriatic are the Bura (NNE to ENE) and the Jugo (ESE to SSE) which are prevalent in autumn and winter months, and the wind Maestral (WNW to NW) which occurs mainly in summer.
NNE to ENE – Bura (Bora)
The best-known wind in the Adriatic coastal region which blows from the mainland to sea. It is an exceptionally strong, dry and cold wind which lasts for 2-3 days. The Bura’s strength and speed are particularly noticeable at Rijeka, Senj, Maslenica, Split, Vrulja and Makarska. The strongest Bura arises at passages through mountain passes through which the cold air is channeled, and its frequency diminishes from the northern to the southern Adriatic. Because of its strenght Burja wind can be dangerous for unskilled crews who charter their yachts in Croatia.
ESE to SSE – Jugo (Scirocco)
The Jugo blows from the south-east. It arises due to a Genoa cyclone or Adriatic cyclone and also sometimes from the air mass from northern Africa crossing the Mediterranean. It usually blows over the whole Adriatic and creates high waves at sea. Similar to the Bura, the Jugo lasts on average 2-3 days. The Jugo’s wind speed ranges from 10 m/s to 30m/s and never rises suddenly but gathers its strength after 24 to 36 hours of blowing. For people chartering yachts in Croatia, it is good to know the following rule: Jugo reaches storm strength on the third day from when it started to blow.Ussually it is followed by strong Bura.
NW to SW – Maestral (Mistral)
A thermal wind which appears in summer months. It arises because of differences in pressure over the sea and mainland. It only blows along the coast and rarely reaches more than 20m inland. It begins to blow at about 10am and at around 2pm the Maestral reaches its maximum strength and always dies down before sunset. Maestral in croatia is optimal wind for charters who like to sail their yachts in nice conditions.
W – Tramontana
A local, dry, short-lived and cool wind; not as strong or fierce as the Bura. It is followed by clear weather and high barometric pressure. Further away from the coast it is stronger, longer and creates fully-developed waves. It is more frequent in the southern Adriatic.
NE to SE – Zmorac and Burin
These arise as a result of the unequal warming of land and sea; the Zmorac blows during the day and the Burin at night.
You can find more informations about weather conditions, forecastes and other useful stuff on Croatian state meteorological and hydrological site.
