January 30, 2013 (TSR) – Temperatures for the upcoming period (February-April) to average lower than normal across the Nordic regions, UK, and Iberia, with higher-than-normal temperatures expected across other regions, especially southeast Europe and western Russia, according to Weather Services International.
The official WSI statement read, “The very volatile European winter continues, with a recent transition back to a colder regime after a brief thaw during the first half of January. Going forward, all of the objective evidence suggests a very cold remainder of winter across the Nordic regions and northwestern Russia as atmospheric blocking re-emerges and allows for very cold Arctic high pressure and dry weather to persist over these areas, including the Scandinavia hydro basins.”
Dr. Todd Crawford, WSI Chief Meteorologist, said, “The easterly flow to the south of this high-pressure area will push transport the very cold air westward into parts of northern mainland Europe and perhaps the UK. To the south of this, a very active storm track will result in very wet and windy conditions across the hydro basins and wind-generation regions of southern Europe.”
“We expect the lingering impacts of the atmospheric blocking to persist into at least March, with cold temperatures persisting across the Nordic regions. By April, more widespread above-normal temperatures are likely as the pattern relaxes,” he added.
In February, WSI forecasts:
Nordic Region* – Much colder than normal
UK* – Colder than normal
Northern Mainland* – Warmer than normal
Southern Mainland* – Warmer than normal, except Iberia
In March, WSI forecasts:
Nordic Region – Colder than normal, except Finland
UK – Warmer than normal
Northern Mainland – Warmer than normal
Southern Mainland – Warmer than normal
In April, WSI forecasts:
Nordic Region – Warmer than normal
UK – Warmer than normal, except Ireland
Northern Mainland – Warmer than normal
Southern Mainland – Warmer than normal, except Iberia
