The general weather situation discussed in the last blog has not changed significantly. A strong high over Scandinavia is blocking the westerly wind drift across the Atlantic, allowing cold air from the north-east to penetrate far into Central Europe. Low pressure systems are forced to move into the Mediterranean region and pass south of the Alps. While the Alpine region still gets the occasional window of sunshine and slightly less extreme temperatures due to the influence of foehns, Germany and Eastern Europe are setting a series of record cold temperatures for the third decade of March. In Brandenburg, for example, just under -19°C was measured last Sunday (24.3.).
Easter prospects
After a tentative intermediate phase with high pressure influence today (Wednesday 27.3.) and tomorrow, the next disturbance is approaching from the west. The Easter holidays are also likely to be rather cloudy and cool, although it should be a touch milder. The general weather situation remains unchanged, the details are difficult or impossible to predict. As far as fresh snow is concerned, the south-western and western Alps could well be worth a visit over the next few days. The same applies to the east: every little bit helps.
In the crystal ball
It is also very difficult to say what will happen in the medium and longer term. A possible end to the blocking situation would consist of a slow weakening of the high in the north and an eastward shift of the Atlantic low. This would bring mild air from the south to Central Europe on the front side of the trough. Some models wanted to see this in the first few days of April at the beginning of the week, but there is not much left of it today. Quite the opposite: at the moment, it looks more like a strengthening Icelandic high and low geopotential in the Mediterranean. So let's dress for the weather for the Easter egg hunt - or go skiing! - and otherwise let ourselves be surprised. As long as the sun rises every day and the earth turns in its usual manner, the rising position of the sun will herald spring sooner or later and we won't have to fear a new ice age.
