Severe Snowstorms Expected in Northern and Eastern Europe

Affected by an upper-level cold vortex system (Figure 1), it is expected that from January 1 to 4, 2026, regions in Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe will experience moderate to heavy snowfall successively. Specifically, southern Sweden, southern Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, and western Russia will see severe snowstorms, with localized areas experiencing extreme or exceptional snowfall. The cumulative snowfall during this period is anticipated to be between 5 and 20 mm, with some areas reaching 30 to 40 mm(Figure 2). Additionally, strong winds of 5 to 6 on the Beaufort scale, with gusts up to 7 to 8, are expected (Figure 3). Attention should be given to the adverse impacts of the intense snow and wind conditions on local power infrastructure, transportation, and other industries.

Figure 1  Forecast of 500 hPa Geopotential Height (units: dagpm) and 850 hPa Wind Field at 20:00 (BJT) on January 1, 2026 (units: m/s)

Figure 2 Accumulated Rainfall and Snowfall from 08:00 on January 1, 2026, to 08:00 on January 5, 2026 (BJT),  (units: mm)

Figure 3  Maximum Gust Speed (uints: m/s) for 24 Hours as of 08:00 (BJT) on January 3, 2026

            Author: Xie Jin                     Reviewer: Cai Xiangning

English reviewer:Wang Yi                                                                       Issue approver:Dai Kan