Arctic cold arrives, bringing early spring snow and extremely low temperatures to much of Europe

A major Arctic cold outbreak has arrived in Europe over the weekend, dumping snow to much of the continent following unusually warm winter. Meteoalarm has issued heavy snow, strong wind, and extremely cold temperature warnings for many countries.

The cold is expected to create hazardous frost conditions which may affect blossoming trees, and most importantly, it could potentially aggravate the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, especially in Italy where the cases have soared to more than 60 000.

European weather services Meteoalarm has issued the following warnings: snow, winds, and extremely cold temperatures in Slovakia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria; snow in Croatia, Serbia, Romania, North Macedonia, as well as France, Greece, and Hungary; winds and extremely low temperature in Germany; extremely low temperatures in Poland, Montenegro, and Austria; lastly, snow and winds in Italy.

"We are just seeing a pretty strong outbreak of cold air mass into east-central Europe this week, there is more coming soon," said Severe Weather Europe (SWE).

"It appears likely another very powerful ridge/high-pressure system will form over North Atlantic and introduce a significant cold outbreak into western and potentially also southwestern Europe through the final days of March. ​Even snowfall will be possible," it added.

"Although the air mass is indeed coming from the Arctic region, it does not mean the cold will be very extreme. But the last days of March will be much colder than normal, that’s pretty much likely to expect based on the global ensemble model guidance."

On Tuesday, some parts of the central and eastern region already saw heavy snow and intense blizzard conditions.

"Spring snowfall also reached south into North Macedonia," SWE wrote, sharing a photo taken by a local. Whiteout conditions were observed as well in Sofia, Bulgaria, as snow blanketed the roads. 

"Meanwhile, in Belgrade, Serbia, snow-covered flowers and they look even more beautiful now," said one user on Facebook. "We have a lot of snow here," she added.

About 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 inches) of snow fell in some locations in Slovenia, while powerful blizzard conditions were felt in the northeastern region, particularly on the south slope of Pohorje Massif. Higher amounts were reported across mountainous areas.

Citizens in Croatia were greeted by the rare sight of spring snow, after a mild winter and almost no snow.  "In fact, the weather has been unusually warm throughout winter, with very little snow at all," said author Paul Bradbury of Total Croatia News.

"I remember clearing the drive-in temperatures of -18 °C (-0.4 °F) last winter in Varazdin, but I didn't need to get my shovel out this year, and it only snowed twice."

Very rare snow was even reported in Dubrovnik, southern Croatia, although not that much to stick to the ground.

Poland just received its first heavy frost this year, which has caused damage to produce. The extent of the damage is yet to be determined. 

Meanwhile, parts of southern Italy woke up to snow and hail on Tuesday morning as temperatures plummeted across the country. Areas in the higher altitudes of central Italy reported snow as well.

The frosty weather is expected to continue in the country until Thursday, March 26, which is "decidedly unusual for this time of year," said the nation's meteorological services.

"Particularly on Wednesday and Thursday, temperatures will remain below normal, while the snow will fall again on low altitudes in the inland areas of the center-south, and also in the Alps."

Residents in Hungary shared photos and videos of fresh snow across the country, with some areas also seeing up to 10 cm (4 inches).

"[I] live in Hungary, and it’s really uncommon to see snow towards the end of March, especially when a few days ago I only needed a hoodie when went outside to see the spring flowers, and now it’s like this," wrote one Twitter user.

For the Balkans, AccuWeather meteorologist Tyler Roys said up to 8 cm (3 inches) of snow may fall in the middle of this week, including areas in lower elevations.

SWE noted as well that the last days of March will be much colder than usual. The cold advection is expected to begin Friday night, March 27, following the faster-rising pressure of the North Atlantic high-pressure system.

A very cold air mass then collects over the Greenland Sea, spreading directly south towards the North Sea, Scandinavia, and the UK by Saturday, March 28.

On Sunday, March 20, as the upper-ridge becomes powerful and the related trough deepens over western Europe, the cold advection strengthens and continues further south into France and Iberia, said SWE.

"The last days of March will, therefore, be quite cold across western Europe, with potentially frosty mornings across UK, Ireland, and Wales. Also over Benelux and northern France."

Featured image credit: @Zdeneknejedly/Twitter