Zoran Vakula is one of the most recognizable faces of meteorology in Croatia. His biography spans more than three decades of professional involvement in meteorology, media and popularization of science. In this article, the goal is to provide human-oriented information – Not only the facts, but also the stories behind Zoran Vakula: who he is, how he came to his career, what motivates him and how he affects the public.
Who is Zoran Vakula?
Zoran Vakula was born in 1970 in Virovitica, Croatia. He graduated engineering physics at the Faculty of Science and Mathematics in Zagreb, and he developed his passion for meteorology through education and professional work.
Summary of his career
- meteorologist with more than 30 years of experience in the field of atmospheric sciences.
- long employed in State Hydrometeorological Institute (DHMZ) – Almost 18 years before moving to the media.
- Since 1996, he has been working as a meteorologist at Croatian Radio and Television (HRT), where he became one of the most recognizable faces of the weather forecast.
Vakula is known for its accessible, human approach to explaining meteorological phenomena, and has been the “voice of time” for many in Croatia for almost three decades.
HRT career and role in media
meteorologist and editor
At HRT, Vakula worked as a meteorologist, presenter of the weather forecast and editor. His work on television and radio made him one of the most famous experts in the country.
popularity and recognition
Vakula has gained great popularity among viewers over the years. They often recognize him on the street and are happy to take photos with him.
In conversations, he often points out that it is still unusual for him how many people follow the weather forecast and recognize it by television.
Education and the beginning of a career
Vakula studied engineering physics, which gave him a solid foundation for understanding atmospheric processes. He actually discovered meteorology as a natural continuation of that scientific interest.
Key milestones
- Graduated in engineering physics at PMF in Zagreb.
- The first professional positions in DHMZ in 1994.
- The beginning of cooperation with HRT in 1996, first on the radio, and then on television.
Meteorology popularization work
Vakula doesn’t just stop at presenting weather forecast – actively working on educating the public about meteorology.
Books and picture books
He developed the series “Time Stories” for children, with the aim of bringing meteorological concepts closer to the youngest. So far, he has released several titles like:
- windbreaker
- cloudy
- Sunny
- fluffy
- drip
- lightning
educational performances
Vakula often visits schools and libraries in order to explain natural phenomena such as clouds, lightning, winds or cyclones in an entertaining and comprehensible way.
Private life and values
Vakula is also known as family person:
- He is married to his wife Lavender for more than 25 years.
- He has a daughter Luna.
Even in his private life, as he repeatedly pointed out, he balances his career with family obligations and tries to remain an “accessible man”, even when he is a popular public figure.
influence and relationship with audience
Vakula is known for not using dry professional terms – instead it explains meteorological phenomena in a simple way that most people understand.
His openness and often humorous approach to meteorology has helped many feel closer to science, rather than “sound terms from encyclopedias”.
Conclusion: Why is Zoran Vakula important?
Zoran Vakula is not only a meteorologist who brings a weather forecast. He is educator, author, media professional and a person who has brought meteorology closer to an ordinary person. His biography testifies to how a scientific discipline can become a part of everyday life, and how science can be understandable and inspiring to a wider audience.
If you are interested in meteorology, science or the way in which scientific knowledge can be successfully transmitted to the public – Vakula’s career and approach can serve you as A valuable role model and lesson.
