Heavy Snowfall Forecast for the Alps This Weekend
The Alps are bracing for a significant weather shift. An active cold front is expected to bring substantial snowfall to Switzerland this weekend, with other Alpine regions similarly benefiting from the precipitation. Mountain areas could see over a meter of fresh snow.
Thursday saw regional fog and mist in Alpine areas, with limited visibility. But, sunshine broke through from the west in the afternoon, creating good conditions for winter sports.
Alpine enthusiasts woke up to a fresh layer of snow on Thursday, with 5 to 10 centimeters reported at around 2000 meters in Adelboden, Switzerland. Much more is anticipated in the coming days.
Friday will be bright before the change. A strong high-pressure system over Central Europe is responsible for dry, calm, and sunny weather throughout the Alps.
Some cumulus clouds may develop on Friday afternoon, with thin veils drifting in from the northwest. However, it will remain mostly sunny and mild, with temperatures around 15 degrees Celsius in the valleys and approximately 5 degrees Celsius at 2000 meters. At 3000 meters, temperatures will be below -5 degrees Celsius. A moderate to strong wind may pick up in the mountains later in the day.
Cold Front to Bring Regional Snowfall
On Saturday morning, an active cold front will move from northwest to east across the Alps. This front will bring rain and snow, along with significantly colder air. The snow line will initially be around 1400 meters, but will quickly drop to 800 to 400 meters as the front passes. Snow flurries are expected even in the lower areas during the night from Saturday to Sunday.
Snow will continue to fall heavily on Sunday morning. The weather will become drier from the north later in the day, with increasing breaks in the clouds. The most snow is expected in Wallis (Switzerland) and North Italy. Over 50 centimeters of snow is forecast in the valleys around the border area, with up to 1 to 1.5 meters possible at higher elevations. Vorarlberg, Austria, will also see snow, but less than the Swiss, French, and North Italian mountains.
These snow levels create an avalanche risk. Caution is advised for anyone traveling to the Alpine regions next week. Skiing off-piste is particularly dangerous.
Dry and Sunny Conditions to Follow
A relatively weak disturbance will cross the Alps on Monday, bringing some snow. However, the amounts will not be significant. Winds will be strong in the mountains. The southern Alps will remain dry and sunny.
Tuesday will see a high-pressure system on both sides of the Alps bringing plenty of sunshine. Wednesday and Thursday will also be mostly sunny, with occasional clouds in the south.
Temperatures in the north will be 10 to 13 degrees Celsius on Monday, rising to 13 to 17 degrees Celsius from Tuesday. In the south, temperatures will be slightly higher, at 14 to 18 degrees Celsius.
Floris Lafeber is a meteorologist and Alpine enthusiast.
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