Snowfalls expected this weekend, including in Bucharest

A Mediterranean cyclone in the process of formation that will bring significant precipitation will affect the south, east and southeast of Romania from Thursday night to Friday. Thus, in some regions, especially the sub-Carpathian area of ​​the Southern Carpathians and the Southern Carpathians, the snow will form significant layers of snow, even half a meter, say meteorologists. Also, there will be snow and mixed precipitation in Bucharest.

At the same time, Gabriela Băncilă, Director of Operational Meteorology within the ANM, says that the conditions for a blizzard will be created in the area of ​​the Bărăganului Plain.

“The source of what will happen in our country is a Mediterranean cyclone that will arise tomorrow (Wednesday – ed.). It will move on a trans-Balkan trajectory, so it will also affect us, the southern part of the country and later, very likely, the eastern and southeastern part as well. Because this cyclone, at the moment, is in the process of formation, its most likely trajectory is not yet established, or the degree of accuracy is not very high. However, there are several scenarios, in which precipitation will begin on the southern part of the country – the cold air mass has already settled here – let it be in the form of snow. In the south-eastern part of Romania there could be precipitation, especially in the form of rain. Whether this southeast will be somewhat more extended to Bucharest or not, remains to be seen in the coming days,” the meteorologist says.

Bancila added that we can expect, in the context of the cold air mass already present over our country, even in the Capital area precipitation in the form of snow, mixed precipitation.

She argued that it is nothing unusual for the winter to have such relapses, for two or three days.

“In the Mediterranean countries affected by heavy snowfall in recent days, 20 degrees Celsius were previously recorded. The fact that in one week we recorded the warmest January day in the history of meteorological measurements, does not mean that in a week or two winter cannot come. After this episode, the minimums will be able to reach -10 degrees Celsius. Even on Thursday morning we will register -10 degrees, before the episode. It will also be windy. The classic conditions for blizzard formation are created. We will see if these wind intensifications will be associated with rain or snow, so that in the Bărăganu area, the most exposed to this phenomenon, we will record the first notable blizzard of this winter 2022-2023”.

Heavy winter hits Italy and Croatia

In Italy and Croatia, it snowed so much that entire areas are still struggling to reopen roads. There is a weather alert in five regions. In some areas, cars are stuck under two meters of snow, there have been power outages, and schools in many cities have been closed. The same cold atmospheric front also brought heavy snow to Croatia. The country’s weather agency has issued warnings of dangerous conditions that may disrupt traffic.