The current mild weather in Europe is about to take a drastic turn this weekend as a blast of polar air sweeps across the continent. This shift in weather is expected to bring much colder temperatures with a significant shift from the strong westerly winds that have been keeping the UK and France relatively mild. Instead, a northeast wind flow will bring in polar air from Northern Europe and Russia towards western countries like France, a phenomenon known as the “Moscow-Paris” pattern.
As the influence of the northeast wind takes hold, showers are expected on Saturday and Sunday, with a possibility of snowflakes in the lower plains on Sunday. Widespread frost is forecasted in the northeast on Sunday morning, extending all the way to the Rhône Valley. Temperatures are expected to drop significantly, with maximum temperatures no longer reaching 10°C, except near the Mediterranean.
The cold air mass will continue to progress into the beginning of the following week, causing temperatures to further drop. Negative temperatures are expected across the country on Monday morning, with temperatures mostly ranging from -6 to -2°C in the plains, dropping below -10°C in the mountains. The peak of the cold spell is expected to hit between Wednesday and Thursday, with minimum temperatures regularly dropping below -5°C and as low as -10 to -12°C in the east. A significant rise in temperatures is forecasted at the end of the following week, with calm and sunny weather conditions expected.
After weeks of gray and rainy weather, it’s time to bundle up as the big chill gets closer. So, get ready to bring out the hats, scarves, and winter coats for at least a few days as Europe braces for the arrival of the polar vortex.
