Severe weather warnings in six Austrian states
Austria will witness a gradual increase in precipitation on Saturday, with an increased risk of slipping due to freezing rain (Eisregen), prompting authorities to issue weather warnings for several states.
The country is affected by air currents coming from the Mittelmeerraum (Mediterranean region), bringing with it milder but humid air. A weak low pressure system coming from Italy (Italientief) is causing light snowfall, especially in the south and southwest, with the possibility of freezing rain in some areas. As a new low pressure system develops over the Golf von Genua (Genoa Gulf), additional snowfall is expected on Sunday, while the eastern regions of Österreich may experience rain and freezing rain.
On Saturday morning, light snowfall begins in the southern mountainous areas, then the precipitation extends northward during the day. In low-lying areas below 600 meters, the risk of slipping increases due to freezing rain. In the evening, this situation reaches the northeast, while Oberösterreich (Upper Austria) experiences some snowfall even in low areas. In the west, the sun occasionally breaks through the clouds. Maximum temperatures range between -2 and +4 degrees Celsius with light winds.
The Austrian Weather Service (Österreichische Unwetterzentrale) has issued a high warning level for several states, including Lower Austria (Niederösterreich), Vienna (Wien), and Burgenland, with a special warning for freezing rain. An initial warning has also been issued for Upper Austria (Oberösterreich), Styria (Steiermark), and Carinthia (Kärnten), urging residents to exercise caution. Sunday will start with mostly cloudy weather in most areas, with scattered snow or freezing rain in the west and south. During the morning hours, precipitation will be concentrated in the eastern half, while the western regions will see breaks in the clouds, especially in North Tyrol (Nordtirol) where the sun may occasionally appear. Temperatures will range from 0 to +5 degrees Celsius with light to moderate easterly winds.
On Monday, it starts with humid weather in Weinviertel, with light snow falling across Voralpen and Waldviertel. However, from the morning, the weather turns dry with a mix of sun and clouds, and temperatures reach between 1 and 6 degrees Celsius. The weather continues to improve on Tuesday, with the sun occasionally shining away from foggy areas, before clouds increase from the west in the evening without precipitation. Winds pick up during the day and shift to the southeast, with Föhn conditions in Voralpen. Depending on the influence of the sun and fog, temperatures range between 1 and 7 degrees Celsius.