Austria prepares for a winter shock: Expert warns of "heavy snowfall" at low altitudes
Winter has suddenly arrived in Austria with temperatures nearing freezing and widespread snowfall even in low-lying areas. According to meteorologist Nikolaus Zimmermann from UBIMET, the coming days will see unstable and wintry weather in several regions.
Austria is currently under the influence of a low-pressure system over the North Sea, pushing slightly warmer air into the upper layers of the atmosphere. This mix has already caused freezing rain in some areas, including parts of Upper Austria. As night falls, a new low system from the Mediterranean will arrive, which will lower the snow line again, especially in the north.
On Tuesday, heavy snowfall is expected from the Tyrol plains and the Salzburg region to Upper Austria. Accumulations of 10 to 15 cm of snow are possible, with amounts reaching up to 25 cm in the highlands. In the far west, snowfall of 15 to 25 cm is expected above 700 meters. Meanwhile, the south and east will only see light rain.
Authorities issued warnings about road conditions on Tuesday morning, especially between the Tyrol plains and Upper Austria, where heavy snowfall may lead to difficult driving. Drivers were advised to add extra time to their journeys. Parts of Lower Austria may experience slides due to freezing rain again.
Winter weather will continue until mid-week, with cold, moist air trapped in the northern Alps, adding a few more centimeters of snow. From East Tyrol and Carinthia to the eastern plains, the weather will remain mostly dry with a slight increase in temperatures. Starting Thursday, a high-pressure system will bring calmer weather, but Upper Austria may experience freezing fog starting Friday.
During the weekend, weak low-pressure systems will cross the northern side of the Alps, bringing intermittent light rain, while the snow line will gradually rise to over 1000 meters. Medium-range forecasts indicate a tendency for above-average temperatures next week.