The red color on the maps does not mean that there will be no snow at all, but that less snow than usual is expected.
The average seasonal forecast for Europe (December–February) shows below-average amounts of snow in most of the continent, while the main snow zones are pushed northwards.
However, compared to the previous month’s forecasts, some improvement is visible. The latest calculations predict more snow over the central parts of the continent and some parts of Great Britain and Ireland.
December brings mostly negative anomalies, except in the extreme north. Less snow at higher altitudes indicates a problem of lack of precipitation, not necessarily high temperatures.
In January no improvement is expected. Most of Europe will see less snow than average, although the south-east and far north may see more.
February shows a slightly smaller deficit of snow compared to January. It is important to emphasize that the red color on the maps, which indicates a deficit, does not mean the complete absence of snow, but a smaller amount than usual.
Considering that several models are used for reliable forecasts, the data of the UKMO long-term forecasting system were also analyzed. For Europe, this model predicts a rather weak snow season, similar to ECMWF.
Most of the continent will have below average snow, except for the far northern areas. However, the latest calculations show an improvement over last month, probably due to stratospheric warming.
For December, UKMO also predicts more pronounced negative anomalies, which further confirms the probability of a slower start to the snow season.
January brings some improvement in parts of central Europe.
February again reducing the potential for snow.
(Vijesti.ba)
