Weather in Dalmatia: Meet Wind Bura

Everyone will characterize the weather in Dalmatia as very pleasant. The mild Mediterranean climate means long warm summers, sunny hours, and nice weather until late autumn. Winters are mild, without temperature extremes, and many sunny days. Likewise, the spring months are pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities. Drinking coffee outdoors, walking, sports, and outdoor gatherings are possible almost all winter long. And that is precisely what makes Dalmatia attractive for living and vacationing away from winter, fog, snow, and even outside the summer months.

There are, of course, rainy days, but the temperatures are the lowest, and the winter is the most prominent when the wind comes on the scene and its majesty the bura.
Those who find themselves in Dalmatia while the bura is blowing are well acquainted with its powers, and for those who are not (as well as those who want to know more), here is what is exciting and essential to know about this impressive wind.

What kind of wind is bura?

Bura is a cold, dry wind that blows from north-northeast or east-northeast direction. It starts suddenly and blows in strong gusts of so-called refuli. It can suddenly lower the temperature by 10 degrees.

Where does wind bura come from?

To create a bura, the inflow of cold air and the existence of a mountain range that prevents that air from traveling is needed. Warm air above the sea surface and cold air above the mountain ranges cause strong currents to equalize the pressure.

Where is the strongest bura?

Stormy bura can blow along the entire eastern coast of the Adriatic and is frequent and intense in the northern part. It is powerful in the areas below the Velebit and Biokovo mountains. The strength of the bura is most robust near the coast; as you move away from the shore, the power of the gusts decreases. A strong bura is blowing along the coast of the islands of Brač and Hvar, and it is blowing fiercely in the channel between the two islands.

What time of year is most common?

The bura blows more often in the winter, although it can blow in the summer. In winter, it is more robust and lasts longer, from 3 to even seven days. In summer, it can last up to 2 days, and the so-called fen bura can occur, which maintains a temperature of 30 degrees and more during the night.

The bura is strongest in the morning (around 9-10 am) and from 6 pm to 10 pm. Even when bura calms down during the day and it seems as if she has stopped, she usually shows her strength again in the evening.

How strong is the wind bura?

The bura does not constantly blow but in gusts, as we have already said. Periods of calm and robust winds alternate. These gusts can be weaker and can reach speeds of up to 200 km / h during an absolute storm, and exceptionally beyond that. Unofficially, a record speed was measured at Maslenica of as much as 307 km / h per hour. The data has not been officially confirmed since the device that measured such a speed was not provided for such amounts. It certainly evokes the power of this wind.

Legends and myths

Numerous legends and myths are associated with the wind bura. It is a common motif in folk art but also in modern works. In the first Croatian novel, Petar Zoranić’s Mountains, from 1536, the legend of the origin of the bora is mentioned.

Bura is described as a beautiful young girl with many suitors due to her enchanting appearance. But she is both arrogant and arrogant, so she rejects them all. Because of her arrogance, God threw her into hell, and every time a woman makes the same mistake, she sighs, and that sigh is the storm that blows hard.

Another story says that the bora is a girl who tortures and punishes roofs and trees when someone curses the wind.

Bura and food

The wind bura scatters the sea and spreads its tiny droplets much farther from the sea itself. The salt remains on the grass grazed by the sheep, giving a unique aroma to the meat and milk. Thanks to the bora, the island of Pag is known for its extraordinary cheese and sheep, as is the case with other islands where sheep are raised. Bura is also in charge of another Adriatic delicacy – prosciutto. It dries in the wind.

Traffic accidents

This strong wind is dangerous, especially in traffic. Due to him, certain road routes in Hrvatska are often closed. Especially often the tunnel Sveti Rok on the highway and other roads below Velebit. Even when the road is not closed, one should be extremely careful.

The bora is also creating problems in maritime transport, so ferry and catamaran lines are being cut off. The bora scatters the tops of the waves into the sea foam and carries it away like dust, which reduces visibility and is dangerous for sailors because it interferes with breathing.

The air is healthy and clean

Bura is a natural disinfectant. Refreshes and cleans the air. That is why people call her a “pure woman”. Housewives also love it because washed laundry dries faster outside.

Although the bora can be uncomfortable, and its strength can be intimidating, it brings sunny weather, clean air, and a memorable experience. Nobody wants to experience it during the summer holidays. Still, in the winter, it gives a unique charm to Dalmatia and is a new experience for those who experience it for the first time.