Experts baffled by early spring weather
The Local Austria - [email protected]
Published: 8 Jan, 2015 CET.
Updated: Fri 9 Jan 2015 09:29 CET
Meteorologists at Austria's Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) have predicted temperatures this weekend of up to 14 degrees, at a time when the average temperature is usually below zero.
Spring really seems to have arrived early, according to the weather experts - but it won't be staying for long.
Saturday is expected to be the warmest day this week, with morning temperatures of six to nine degrees, and a projected high of 14 degrees. After that, the weather will continue to be mild, but not quite as warm as Saturday.
On Thursday rain storms are expected to cover much of the country in the evening. Strong winds are also expected, with up to 90 km/h in some regions. The snow line will also drop to 1,500 metres. A light frost can be expected in the south.
Meanwhile, Austria's southern neighbour is seeing similar spring-like conditions, with Italy expecting temperatures in the 20s this weekend.
Avalanche risk
Meanwhile in Tyrol, experts have warned of a sustained risk of avalanches, which have already claimed five lives this week in Austria.
The predicted snow and wind gusts mean that new snow above 2,200 metres will be especially susceptible to avalanches, so skiers are warned to be careful.
Especially dangerous are new layers of snow shortly after the storm. Below 2,000 metres, the snow will be 'somewhat solidified' because of the moisture, meaning a lower level of risk.
On the five-point avalanche risk scale, level three is still in effect.
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Spring really seems to have arrived early, according to the weather experts - but it won't be staying for long.
Saturday is expected to be the warmest day this week, with morning temperatures of six to nine degrees, and a projected high of 14 degrees. After that, the weather will continue to be mild, but not quite as warm as Saturday.
On Thursday rain storms are expected to cover much of the country in the evening. Strong winds are also expected, with up to 90 km/h in some regions. The snow line will also drop to 1,500 metres. A light frost can be expected in the south.
Meanwhile, Austria's southern neighbour is seeing similar spring-like conditions, with Italy expecting temperatures in the 20s this weekend.
Avalanche risk
Meanwhile in Tyrol, experts have warned of a sustained risk of avalanches, which have already claimed five lives this week in Austria.
The predicted snow and wind gusts mean that new snow above 2,200 metres will be especially susceptible to avalanches, so skiers are warned to be careful.
Especially dangerous are new layers of snow shortly after the storm. Below 2,000 metres, the snow will be 'somewhat solidified' because of the moisture, meaning a lower level of risk.
On the five-point avalanche risk scale, level three is still in effect.
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