Southeast Europe Will Experience Severe Snowfall

Affected by the combined influence of an upper-level trough and a low-level vortex (Figure 1), it is expected that from February 17 to 20, 2026, parts of Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, and the southwestern region of Russia will experience heavy to severe snowfall or sleet, with localized extreme snowstorms. In particular, eastern Romania and western Moldova will see exceptionally severe snowstorms. The cumulative snowfall in these areas is anticipated to range from 5 to 20 mm, with localized totals exceeding 30 mm, indicating a certain level of extremity (Figure 2). Attention should be given to the adverse impacts of the intense weather on local power infrastructure, transportation, and other industries.

Figure 1 500 hPa Geopotential Height (units: dagpm) and 850 hPa Wind Field (units: m/s) at 20:00 (Beijing Time) on February 17, 2026

Figure 2  Accumulated Precipitation (units: mm)from 20:00 on February 17, 2026, to 20:00 on February 20, 2026 (Beijing Time)

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Author: Xie Jin                               Reviewer: Zhang Bo 

English reviewer:Wang Yi                                                                    Issue approver:Dai Kan