Tornadic waterspout event in Split (Croatia) - analysis of meteorological environment

Abstract

The aim of this paper is the waterspout in Split (phi 43.51 degrees N, lambda 16.45 degrees E, h = 0 m) observed on January 6, 2016, which swept over the city at 15:40-16:00 CET (14:40-15:00 UTC). There were convective developments in upper-level south-west flow within the cloudiness which followed the low-level cyclone and associated frontal disturbances. There was an intense thermodynamic instability in lower and mid layers of the atmosphere-the passage of the cold front as a main synoptic feature over the warm Adriatic water, pronounced directional and speed wind shear, as well as the presence of jet stream and a pronounced horizontal field of positive divergence above the observed area. The aim of this paper is to investigate synoptic and mesoscale situation, and meteorological conditions which created favourable thermodynamic environment which preceded the waterspout development.