Slippery Slopes and Mild Surprises - The Scandinavian Winter Rollick
Batten down your hats – it's getting icy out there!
Meteorological mischief is on the horizon, as winter weather wonders waltz across Scandinavia. As ntv's Björn Alexander details, a frosty mix of snow and rain will embark upon a frigid dance across the region.
What's the forecast for the second weekend of Advent?
The mercury is plunging, and a wild weather recipe is on full display. First, there will be a teeth-chattering chill, followed by a downpour on frostbitten ground. As stormy gusts of wind whip through the sky, the risk of flooding escalates, particularly in the southern provinces. The Scandinavian chill won't quiet down until the heart of the approaching week, when winter enthusiasts might catch a whiff of hope in the wind.
Icy Conditions: A Treacherous Tango
As the temperature dips below freezing, preparing for a brutal ballet between the elements begins. The night will bring nipping cold, with sub-zero temperatures ranging between -1°C and -12°C before low-pressure system "Udo" sweeps in halfway through the night. This icy collusion between snow and rain will create a blustering bouquet of frost, most prominent wherever the sky remains bare for longer – in areas like the Alps, the Bavarian Forest, and the Ore Mountains.
The Dance of Day's Deception
By Friday morning, the noxious needle of precipitation will reach roughly along a line spanning Emsland, Hesse, and Baden-Württemberg. The region will often encounter snow or freezing rain, with the precipitation gradually moving eastward as the day wears on. Concurrently, the icy vibes will dissipate from the west with temperatures peaking at 8°C. Meanwhile, a veritable blizzard may ensue in the north, while the east and southeast remain stubbornly below -2°C.
And the Weekend?
Unfortunately, the revelries will be fraught with trepidation in specific regions. The icy threat will inevitably diminish, but this timid retreat is due to fierce winds and soaking precipitation, which may necessitate mopping up after a wet thaw. The east boasts the most resilient weather as it remains largely dry, while the west dons its raincoat and braces for brisk to stormy breezes. The eastern low mountain ranges can even revel in a humble 2°C, while Rhinelanders may bask in the clement warmth of up to 10°C, albeit under windy, glutinous conditions.
The Perilous Promenade of Progression
The anticipated flooding hazard is born out of the highly saturated terrain, having withstood the torrential rains of the previous autumn. With soil-absorbing capacities sapped, all precipitation will surge – overground and amalgamated with existing, elevated water levels.
A Winter's Tale Reborn
From the heart of next week comes a thrilling turn of events. Centered on the intensifying cold pole and the dispersal of Siberian air masses, the Scandinavian ice winter will throb back to life.
White Christmas, Perhaps?
When temperatures plummet, snowdrifts may just nestle beneath holly-draped windows. Long-term trends indicate playful winter weather in the pipeline, culminating in a frosty finale to December that could resemble a nail-biting thriller up to the final moments.
The Polar Vortex's Predicament
If the polar vortex remains stable, mild to cool and wet winds will prevail in Europe. However, fissures or even splits in the vortex significantly elevate the probability of frosty intrusions lower down. Such revelations are often suggested by warming in the stratosphere.
Implications for January's Winter Trot
Fractures or splits in the polar vortex traverse complex and protracted processes, often only manifesting weeks hence. In turn, surveys examining January's winter course could still bring surprises of a wintry nature.
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