Most of Europe Continues to Experience Heavy Snowfall

Over the past five days, influenced by a persistent cold vortex and upper-level trough, most of Europe has experienced severe snowfall. Southern Scandinavia, northern France, central and northern Germany, Switzerland, high-altitude areas in central Italy, and northeastern Southern Europe have widespread heavy to blizzard conditions, with some regions experiencing extreme blizzards. Accumulated snowfall totals range from 10 to 20 millimeters, with some areas recording 30 to 40 millimeters. Notably, localized regions in central Bosnia and Herzegovina and northern Serbia have seen snowfall exceeding 50 millimeters (Figure 1).

Over the next five days, Europe will continue to experience frequent low-vortex and low-trough activities. It is expected that from January 7 to 8, northeastern Southern Europe will still see heavy to severe snowfall, with localized extreme snowfall. From January 9 to 11, a cold vortex over the English Channel will once again bring intense snowfall to the European continent (Figure 2). Southern Britain, eastern and southern France, most of Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, and northeastern Southern Europe will experience heavy to severe snowfall, with some areas facing extreme to very extreme snowfall. The cumulative snowfall in these regions is expected to be between 8 and 20 mm, with some areas receiving 30 to 40 mm. Notably, southeastern France, central Germany, and southern Switzerland could see accumulations exceeding 50 mm (Figure 3). Attention should be given to the adverse impacts of persistent heavy snowfall on power infrastructure, transportation, and other sectors, as well as the risk of avalanches in high-altitude areas.

Figure 1. Accumulated Precipitation in Europe from 0000 UTC January 2 to 0000 UTC January 6, 2026 (Shaded areas indicate 10 mm or more, units: mm)

Figure 2. Forecast of 500 hPa Geopotential Height (contours, units: dagpm) and 850 hPa Wind Field (wind barbs, units: m/s) at 0000 UTC on January 9, 2026

Figure 3. Forecast of Accumulated Snowfall from 1200 UTC on January 8 to 1200 UTC on January 11, 2026 (Shaded, Units: mm)

Author: Huo Da                                 Reviewer: Cai Xiangning 

English reviewer:Wang Yi                                                Issue approver:Dai Kan