Table of Contents
IN THE ALPS – “A first disturbance will take shape from the vast and cold circulation active over central-northern Europe, which will gradually reach the Alps on Tuesday, causing a worsening starting from the West. Snowfall expected to drop to 1200-1400 meters on the border sectors between Valle d’Aosta and Alto Adige” – explains Manuel Mazzoleni, meteorologist at 3bmeteo.com.
“Its arrival will also activate humid and tense western/southwestern currents, which in the first two days of the week will bring marked variability to the Centre-South, with scattered rainfall on the Tyrrhenian sectors, the Apennines and, locally, Sardinia.” “On Wednesday – continues Mazzoleni – the front will move towards the Balkans, renewing bad weather conditions across much of the Centre-South, with showers, thunderstorms and snowfall in the central-northern Apennines, locally up to 1000-1200 meters above sea level.”
Second disturbance between Thursday and Friday
“But that’s not all” – warns Mazzoleni di 3bmeteo.com. “Between Thursday and Friday a second intense disturbance will cross Italy, accompanied by even colder air coming from Northern Europe. Although further updates are necessary in the coming days, at the moment it is expected that the bad weather will affect the North on Thursday and progressively the Tyrrhenian regions and the middle Adriatic, moving towards the South on Friday. In the meantime, a rapid improvement will take place in the Centre-North. ” “The influx of freezing Arctic currents will cause a further sharp drop in temperatures, especially in the North, where frosts will return, not only in the mountains but also in the Po Valley. The snow may fall to medium-low altitudes or locally in the Alpine and pre-Alpine valley floors, with episodes of rain mixed with snow along the foothills. In the Centre-South the temperature drop will be less marked, but sufficient to bring snow back to the Apennines, locally up to 900-1100 meters in the northern sectors.” “Although less marked – concludes the meteorologist from 3bmeteo.com – the temperature drop will however be amplified by strong winds, initially from the west or south-west, and subsequently from the Mistral, with the risk of extensive storm surges.”
Winter temperatures in the north
“As mentioned, temperatures will reach almost wintry values in the North, with minimums from mid-week even below zero in the plains, especially in the North-West, where maximums will struggle to reach 6-10°C. In the North-East the maximums will be between 8 and 13°C, while in the Center we will gradually return to below 15°C, with widespread frosts from Friday in the internal areas. In the South the decline will be more evident towards the weekend.”
– What specific weather patterns are expected to impact travel conditions in the Alps and Italy this week?
Interviewer: Good morning, Manuel. Could you please share with us the current weather forecast for the Alps and Italy as a whole?
Manuel Mazzoleni: Of course. As mentioned in the article, we are expecting a significant change in weather patterns this week, starting with a cold front moving in from central-northern Europe that will reach the Alps on Tuesday, causing snowfall up to 1200-1400 meters on the border sectors between Valle d’Aosta and Alto Adige. This front will then move towards the Balkans, bringing bad weather conditions across much of the Centre-South with showers, thunderstorms, and snowfall in the central-northern Apennines up to 1000-1200 meters above sea level. A second intense disturbance is also predicted between Thursday and Friday, which will cause further snowfall in the North and progressively move towards the Tyrrhenian regions. Temperatures will drop significantly, especially in the North, with frosts expected in the Po Valley, and snow possibly falling to medium-low altitudes or even along the foothills of the Apennines.
Interviewer: That sounds quite intense. Can you elaborate on the impact of these weather disturbances on travel conditions?
Manuel Mazzoleni: Sure. Travelers should expect delays and disruptions due to the snowfall in the Alps and possible icy roads in the Po Valley. The snowfall could cause avalanches in higher altitudes, so those planning to engage in winter sports or mountain activities should exercise caution. The sudden drop in temperature may also affect flight schedules, particularly in the North, where winds could cause storm surges and reduce visibility. Drivers should be aware of these potential hazards and plan their routes accordingly.
Interviewer: That’s concerning. Is there anything you would like to share specifically about the snowfall in the Alps?
Manuel Mazzoleni: Yes, indeed. Weather data from our advanced meteorological systems indicate that the upcoming snowfall might exceed previous forecasts, especially on the western slopes of the Alps. Visibility will likely be reduced due to snowy conditions, so hikers and skiers should be especially cautious.
