MILD AND DRY CONDITIONS THIS WEEKEND
When going outside, you will unfortunately still see that the ski slopes are green. That is because the temperatures are higher than normal with dry weather and some sun. After the weekend the temperature drops a few degrees and high areas in the Western Alps will turn white. In the valleys, the precipitation falls mostly as rain. Thus we have to wait for the real winter to come, but there are some possibilities for that at the end of this week. We will keep you updated before the serious winter arrives!
At the moment, the conditions in the Alps are relatively mild and it feels like quiet autumn weather with some high clouds and regular sunshine. Especially in Austria, there can also be some mist in the valley, with much sun higher up In the mountains. The sun will shine most brightly in the French Alps and in Switzerland. With temperatures in the valleys of 10 degrees, the weather feels friendly and not too cold.
Rain, snow, and a little colder after the weekend
On Sunday, the clouds spread over the French Alps and Switzerland from the west, and in the afternoon and on Monday some precipitation will fall. A low-pressure area over Genua brings humid air from the Mediterranean sea, which bumps onto colder air from the north. It will become several degrees cooler, but the snow line will not be located much lower than 1500 meters. For serious winter weather, we have to wait a bit longer. In Austria some light rain is possible, but it will stay dry at most places.
When will the real winter arrive?
Tuesday and Wednesday will probably be mostly dry. The best snow chances on that days are for the Southwestern Alps. Still, this will be limited to areas higher than 1500 meters. From next weekend, the forecast becomes more uncertain. Cold air from the ocean approaching the Alps can could potentially result in fresh snow on the northern flanks of the Alps but is could also stay relatively mild if we are unlucky.
So where is the winter now?
For lots of snow you have to look in Norway. In the southwestern ski areas, most snow will fall with locally 30-40 centimeters on Tuesday and Wednesday together. The temperatures there already stay below zero at some days. Hopefully, we will see this winter weather soon in the Alps as well.