From 30°C to Frost in 24 Hours? The ‘Cold Trough’ Slamming Europe Today – Why You’ll Need a Jacket in Italy This Weekend
Many areas recently saw temperatures near 30 degrees Celsius and are preparing for heavy rain, snowy conditions in the mountains, icy winds, and nearly frost-like weather within a 24-hour timeframe. According to meteorological agencies, an abrupt change in atmospheric conditions may significantly affect parts of Italy and central and southern Europe between now and Sunday night.
What Is a ‘Cold Trough’?
A cold trough is an elongated region of lower air pressure, which acts as a channel to bring much colder air into warmer climates.
Cold air can cause rapid temperature drops, thunderstorms, high winds, heavy rain, and even snow at high altitudes when it collides with warm, humid existing weather conditions.
Why Italy Is Suddenly Reaching for Jackets Again
Italy is expected to feel the effects strongly over the weekend as rain bands, colder winds, and cloudy conditions spread across multiple regions.
Cities that recently enjoyed warm sunshine may now experience chilly evenings, gusty winds, and significantly lower daytime temperatures.
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Could Frost Really Happen?
Rain bands, cold winds or gusts, and cloudy weather will be impacting many areas across Italy this weekend after having previously been under warm sunny skies.
As a result of the arrival of this cold weather, many cities that were enjoying warm temperatures during the day will have much cooler evenings, stronger winds, and a much lower daytime temperature in the coming days.
Why Europe’s Weather Is Becoming More Extreme
Forecasts predict that some elevated areas of central Europe could see overnight lows drop to near the freezing point after the cold air starts to penetrate further into Europe.
There will likely not be large-scale frost in urban areas; however, many towns, cities, and valleys in the higher elevations of the Alps and other smaller mountain ranges will once again experience winter-like weather for a period of time at night.
Final Words
People traveling in Italy and surrounding areas this weekend will likely need to trade their summer clothing for jackets, umbrellas, etc. Day to day temperatures in many locations (primarily due to cold fronts) are drastically changing on an almost daily basis as Europe continues to show how unpredictable today’s weather patterns are.
FAQs
What is a cold front?
A cold front is a “cold” low pressure area (producing low pressure) over an area or region that moves southward from high latitudes to low latitudes causing sudden changes (from hot to cold) in the atmosphere.
What is causing Europe to have such large variations in temperature on an almost daily basis?
There is instability in the atmosphere; warm air from Asia interacts with very cold Arctic and Atlantic weather to produce a lack of extreme temperature differences.
Will it snow in Italy this weekend?
It is anticipated that there will only be snow (if any) in the high elevation alpine areas of northern Italy; all urban areas of Italy should only expect rain (as well as cooler temperature).
Should anyone bring winter clothes when they travel this weekend?
Those traveling this weekend should have lightweight jackets to stay warm in, thermal layers or warm clothing items (e.g., long johns) to wear under clothing and rain gear.
