According to meteorological models a new breakup of the polar vortex began, which will allow cold arctic air to penetrate into moderate latitudes. The result should be a noticeable cooling in a large part of the European continent, places with strong frosts and an increased probability of snow. The cold weather could last until the beginning of February, reports the portal.
The latest forecasts indicate that already in the next few days, a pressure high will form over Europe, which will support the flow of cold air from the east to the northeast. On the surface, this can be manifested by temperature inversions and accumulation of cold, especially in lowlands and basins. In Central and Eastern Europe, nighttime temperatures can drop below −5 °C, sometimes up to −10 °C, and significantly lower in the east of the continent.
In the next phase, towards the end of January, the models show an even stronger disruption of the polar vortex. Cold air should also spread into western and southwestern Europe, where temperatures may approach or drop below freezing. At the same time, the probability of snowfall increases, even in areas where winters have been milder in recent years. Snow may also appear in the southern parts of the continent and affect the Balkans and southeastern Europe more significantly.
Meteorologists point out that the situation is dynamic and the final extent of cooling will depend on the development of pressure systems over the Atlantic. These can bring milder and wetter weather in the short term, especially to Western Europe. However, the overall trend in the longer-term outlook is for continued colder weather across most of the continent, with a continued influx of cold air from the northeast well into February.
