Winter weather raises hopes for a white Christmas! But what are the chances? An expert gives a (cautious) perspective.
Every year, not only does the baby Jesus come down to earth, but many Austrians probably have a question burning on their lips at Christmas time: “Will it (finally) snow this year for Christmas?” In any case, white splendor has been rather limited in recent years – at least in the federal capital, Vienna. But this year, the chances of snow at Christmas shouldn’t be too bad.
Either way, a cold wave will sweep across Austria this week, causing temperatures to plummet. However, not only are temperatures dropping in the alpine republic, they are also turning white again! Snowfall is also expected in the near future. And the winter weather will remain in the country at least until the end of the week.
“On Sunday, a little snow can be expected regionally in the lowlands. In addition, the snow situation in the mountains – and here especially along the northern Alps – is very good. On Monday, however, the Significantly milder Atlantic air will reach us from the west and temperatures will rise in the first half of the week, even at 2,000 meters above sea level”, says Michele Salmi, UBIMET specialist.
“Better odds than in years past”
And some rain is also in sight from the middle of the week, but by Christmas weekend temperatures in Austria are likely to drop again according to medium-term forecasts. What about snow on Christmas or Christmas Eve? Questioned by “Today”, the meteorologist is still cautious – understandable, after all, there are still ten days left for December 24th – but he still dares to make a prediction:
“Above about 1,000 meters, a white Christmas is almost guaranteed thanks to the good snow conditions and the brief, milder phase. We still have to wait to see the lower altitudes and, of course, the lowlands too, but the chances are definitely better than in years past.”
Beginning of winter “not excluded”
The snow that has fallen is unlikely to survive the reduction into the new week, “but in time for Christmas, another start of winter cannot be entirely ruled out given the current state,” Salmi offers hope. Therefore, westerly winds and moderating over the next week will push cold air back towards northern Europe, but it will remain plentiful at higher latitudes.
And the meteorologist makes it clear for “Today”: “If the current turns north again – which from today’s perspective is quite possible during Christmas time – it will also get colder quickly in the mid-latitudes. If it’s cold enough to it will even snow in the lowlands, it is still not possible to say but this year there is at least a chance🇧🇷
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