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As Christmas approaches, winter is tightening its grip across Central Europe — and this year, the holiday weather will be particularly dramatic for Austria’s southern neighbors. While much of Carinthia is expected to enjoy a white Christmas, Slovenia, Croatia, and parts of northern Italy are bracing for a mix of snowfall and powerful winds.
Ljubljana and Zagreb Set for a White Christmas
Tuesday will still bring mild, grey, and mostly calm conditions across the region, with only occasional light rain. But according to meteorologist Nikolas Zimmermann from the weather service Ubimet, the real change arrives on Christmas Eve.
“A Mediterranean low-pressure system will move in gradually. In Slovenia, snowfall is expected from Postojna eastward, and in Croatia widespread snow is likely away from the coast,” Zimmermann explains.
Both capitals — Ljubljana and Zagreb — are forecast to turn white on December 24. Up to five centimeters of fresh snow may accumulate in Ljubljana, while Zagreb could see as much as ten. Travelers planning to head to either country on December 24 or on Christmas morning are advised to reconsider their plans, as wintery road conditions are expected to be severe.
Northern Italy Faces Strong Bora Winds
Northern Italy will experience a different kind of holiday weather. Snow is not expected at lower elevations, but the notorious Bora wind will take center stage.
“In Trieste, gusts could reach around 100 km/h, and in places like Lignano and Venice winds may peak near 80 km/h,” says Zimmermann. Temperatures between 7 and 10 degrees Celsius will accompany periods of rain throughout Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Promising Outlook for New Year’s Eve
After the turbulent holiday weather, conditions are expected to calm significantly. In northeastern Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia, the days leading up to New Year’s Eve should be mostly dry, with a mix of foggy mornings and sunny spells.
“The sun will gradually break through, especially from Trieste eastward,” Zimmermann notes.
This trend is likely to continue through December 31 — welcome news for those planning fireworks. Current forecasts suggest clear skies in northeastern Italy and only minimal cloud cover in Slovenia and Croatia, setting the stage for a bright and crisp New Year’s Eve.
- Hector Pascua with reports from kleinezeitung.at/pictzure: pixabay.com
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