A significant winter storm is expected to impact Europe starting Friday, December 5, 2024. The system will first affect Ireland and the United Kingdom, with forecasts indicating strong winds reaching up to 120 km/h and heavy rainfall. Snowfall is anticipated in northern parts of Britain and Scotland.
By Saturday, the storm is projected to expand into the Benelux region, Germany, and Scandinavia, while a cold front advances towards the Alps. Meteorologists warn of a secondary cyclone forming over the Alps, which will bring substantial snowfall to Austria, Slovenia, and the western Balkans.
By Monday, snow accumulation is expected to cover southern Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. The combination of cold air from the north and strong winds will create hazardous winter conditions, complicating travel across the region.
Temperature anomalies will be most pronounced early next week, with readings significantly below average in Spain, Portugal, and France. A cold pool over southwestern Europe is predicted to persist at least until midweek, resulting in winter showers, hail, and snow even in lower elevations.