Weather Services International presents new pattern of more seasonable European winter temperatures

WSI (Weather Services International) expects temperatures for the upcoming period (February-April) to average lower than normal across the UK, along with parts of western Europe and Norway, with above-normal temperatures common elsewhere, most notably, across southeastern Europe.

"The first half of winter has clearly been much milder than the last couple of winters, as a very strong polar vortex has controlled the pattern, so far, and shielded Europe from any sustained cold. Recently, the vortex has weakened, allowing for atmospheric blocking to develop, first in the North Pacific and, eventually, in the North Atlantic. This North Atlantic blocking, otherwise known as the negative phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), will allow a return to, at least, seasonably cold weather across much of Europe in February," said WSI Chief Meteorologist Dr. Todd Crawford. "While North Atlantic blocking may develop in early February, current indications suggest that the rest of the northern hemispheric pattern will not enable bitter Arctic air flow into Europe, at least initially. Because of this, we are only expecting slightly below-normal temperatures in parts of western Europe in February. Beyond that, we generally expect the negative NAO to be in control during the spring, with below-normal temperatures expected across the Nordic Region and parts of northern mainland Europe."

In February, WSI forecasts:

Nordic Region* - Warmer than normal Sweden/Finland, cool Norway

UK* - Cooler than normal

Northern Mainland* - Warmer than normal, except Benelux

Southern Mainland* - Warmer than normal, except France/Iberia



In March, WSI forecasts:

Nordic Region- Warmer than normal

UK - Warmer than normal

Northern Mainland - Warmer than normal

Southern Mainland - Warmer than normal, except Iberia



In April, WSI forecasts:

Nordic Region - Cooler than normal

UK - Cooler than normal

Northern Mainland - Warmer than normal, except France/Benelux

Southern Mainland - Warmer than normal, except Iberia


WSI, providingcustomized weather information to energy traders, will issue its next seasonal outlook on 20 February.

Related categories:  Climate change and global warming 

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