The atmosphere over Europe is undergoing a dramatic change. While we are deep into May according to the calendar, nature is preparing a scenario that is more suitable for early winter. The meteorological service Severe Weather Europe (SWE) has issued a serious warning for the Balkan region: the collision of an icy air mass from the north and warm Mediterranean air will create conditions for an extreme storm.
Supercell storms and devastating hail
The area from northern Italy across the Adriatic to the interior of the western Balkans is threatened by organized storm systems. Supercell storms are expected, bringing with them destructive hail (hail), strong electrical discharge and localized flooding. Due to the specific “wind shear” in the upper layers of the atmosphere, storms will have the power to cause great damage in a short period of time.
May snow and frost: Temperature drop by 15 degrees
What particularly worries farmers is the penetration of cold air, which will drop temperatures up to 15 degrees below the average for this time of year. While in the lowlands morning temperatures will be close to zero on Saturday with the risk of frost, the mountain ranges are getting ready for a blanket of snow. It is predicted that up to 50 cm of snow could fall in the Alps, while snowflakes will also whiten the peaks of the Dinarides.
Heavy rainfall: Locally up to 150 mm of rain
Along with thunderstorms, mountain ranges such as the Apennines and the Dinarides will be hit by extreme amounts of rain. High-resolution models predict that between 100 and 150 mm of rain could fall locally, which inevitably raises fears of flash flooding.
Big twist next week
However, after this cold slap, the forecasts announce a complete reversal. Already from the middle of next week, the blockade over the Atlantic is collapsing, and more stable and significantly warmer air is arriving over Europe. Temperatures will return to normal, and at the end of May 2026 there is a possibility for the first real heat wave that will usher us into early summer, it says N1 BiH.
