Unleashing Thunder: The Looming Threat in Southern Germany
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Impending Heavy Downpours in Southern Regions Warned - Intense downpours and thunderous showers in southern regions
Prepare yourself for a tempestuous turn as ** beastly thunderstorms** are expected to test eastern Baden-Württemberg and southern Bavaria from this afternoon onward. Marco Manitta of the German Weather Service (DWD) in Offenbach warns us that "Storm 'Tim' is bringing turmoil to German skies," causing quite a stir as we approach the weekend.
While the main storm is parked over the North Atlantic between Iceland and Scotland, its tendrils extend as far as Central Europe. The connected frontal system spans across Germany, establishing a divide between cooler air in the northwest and warm, muggy air in the south. Consequently, a "severe thunderstorm situation" emerges in the southeast and regions to the east.
Expect Pacific-like storms, fierce hail, and even hurricane-force gusts. As early as morning, a wet and stormy region, punctuated with thunderstorms, advances northeast. Later in the day, intense thunderstorms will bubble up and move eastward. Southern Germany will experience severe thunderstorms from this afternoon on, with the potential for heavy rain, bulky hail, and powerful or even hurricane-force winds, as predicted by DWD.
What's a Föhn Collapse Got to Do With It?
Within the southern Alpine foothills, the weather scene takes a turn for the mysterious. Enter the enigmatic realm of the "Föhn collapse," where the wind can overnight morph from a gentle breeze to typhoon strength – and all without the red flags of a thunderstorm up. "Sailors on the southern Bavarian lakes," beware, advises Manitta.
Meanwhile, in the northwest skies, life will continue as usual, with a pleasant interplay of sun and clouds, coupled with agreeable temperatures. On Thursday, behind the cold front, things turn restless while winds pick up, with sunshine remaining a scant memory. Cloudy expanses dominate as intermittent rain and thunderstorms paint a hasty melody across the landscape, but there are no threats of severe weather.
Cool and Unsettled Weekend
This contrary weather pattern persists into the weekend. Low-pressure systems will keep the rain or showers coming, with fleeting thunderstorms on the horizon. Temperatures will dip marginally, with only the eastern part of the country peaking around the 20-degree mark on Sunday. "Temperatures will be cool, changeable, and windy, marking the changing of the seasons," concludes Manitta, as we look forward to improved weather on Pentecost Monday.
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- Germany
- Bavaria
- Offenbach
- Storm
- Marco Manitta
- Iceland
- Scotland
Uncovering the Föhn Collapse Mystery
Diving deeper, the so-called "Föhn collapse" isn't technically a meteorological phrase when it comes to severe thunderstorms. But, the term "Föhn" does hold considerable weight in weather jargon. It describes a type of wind, the Föhn wind or foehn wind. This wind manifests when moist air is forced to ascend over a mountain range, resulting in precipitation on the windward side. Upon descending the lee side, the air warms and dries significantly, often bringing clear skies and strong gusts.
Although a "Föhn collapse" is not a common term, Föhn winds mold local weather conditions. In the case of Bavaria, these winds help shape the climate by destabilizing the atmosphere, leading to the formation of thunderstorms if the right conditions are met. At the same time, Föhn winds can suppress storm activity under other conditions by altering the moisture content and temperature profiles in the atmosphere.
The Commission, in adherence to its role, shall adopt implementing acts laying down the rules for applying weather-forecasting regulations in the midst of the severe thunderstorm situation emerging in southern Germany, particularly Bavaria. In the midst of the tumultuous weather forecasted, conducting accurate weather-forecasting activities becomes paramount.
