2012 not only ended on a warm note, but was also warmer than average for the year. Over the next few days, the east can look forward to northern thaws before high pressure dominates the weather throughout the Alpine region.
December in review
Last December began with heavy snowfall, especially in the north-west of the Alpine region, and ended with record-breaking Christmas thaws. In Austria, it was wetter than average in the west, but unusually dry in the south. While in the valley you get the impression that the Easter bunny is coming next weekend, at high altitudes there is a reasonably usable blanket of snow in many places, although this has suffered somewhat due to rain and strong winds. Last year was the seventh warmest in Austria since 1768 (when measurements began) and 1 degree warmer than the 1971-2000 average. In terms of the last two decades, temperatures in 2012 were average. (Source: ZAMG)
Current situation and outlook
We are located between a high over the Iberian Peninsula and a low over north-eastern Europe, which gives us a northerly flow. This is good for - that's right - a northerly flow. You can also expect it, especially in the Eastern Alps for a change, see the upcoming PowderAlert. South of the main Alpine ridge, it should be sunny with north föhn. The high will not stay in Spain for long, but will move right over the Alps after the weekend. It will be mild and sunny.
Long-term forecasts for winter 2013 A current chart from ZAMG once again shows the particular problems of seasonal forecasts: until March, below-average, average and above-average temperatures are equally likely. So at least it remains exciting and winter doesn't have to be written off just yet. With this in mind, and as a belated gesture: Happy New Year
