Cold front sweeps central Europe: rain, strong winds and a sharp return of Alpine snow

A major weather change is unfolding across central Europe tonight. The warm south-westerly flow ahead of the front is being replaced by cooler west to north-westerly air. Rain spreads from western Germany and France into Switzerland and Austria overnight, while northern and central Italy also become more unsettled.

Thursday brings a broad temperature drop. Germany reaches only 14 to 20°C, Switzerland is generally around the low to mid teens north of the Alps, and Austria ranges from 14 to 22°C, although the far east may briefly reach about 26°C before the front arrives. France is much cooler across the east and central regions, often 11 to 18°C, while parts of the Mediterranean coast remain above 20°C.

Rain and wind spread east

Germany sees widespread rain moving into the east and southeast, with a gusty west to north-westerly wind. Switzerland receives roughly 10 to 40 mm in many northern areas, locally more in favoured terrain. Austria turns wet from the west and south, with locally heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms. In Italy, the most organised rain and thunderstorms affect Liguria, Tuscany and parts of central Italy, while France keeps frequent rain in the east and over the mountains.

Snow becomes a serious Alpine factor

The Alpine snow line falls sharply during Thursday, but not at the same rate everywhere. In western Austria it approaches 2000 metres by evening and drops further overnight. In parts of the French northern Alps it can temporarily fall to around 1500–1700 metres under heavier precipitation, while some inner Alpine and south-eastern sectors remain closer to 2400–2600 metres for longer. The Swiss high Alps are expected to receive the largest totals: around 20–30 cm in favoured north-western Alpine areas, with local totals near 50 cm possible above 3000 metres.

Europe weather through Thursday evening

• Germany: 14–20°C, widespread rain and strong west to north-westerly winds.
• Switzerland: around 10–40 mm of rain in many northern regions; high Alps locally up to about 50 cm of snow.
• Austria: 14–22°C, locally 26°C in the east before the front; snow line near 2000 m in the west by evening.
• France: much cooler in the east; Alpine snow line locally down to 1500–1700 m under heavier precipitation.
• Italy: unsettled north and centre with strong showers; Alpine snow mainly at high elevations.

Travel conditions change quickly in the mountains

Road conditions remain mostly wet in inhabited valleys, but high Alpine passes can turn wintry as the day progresses. Strong winds, low cloud and fresh snow will also reduce visibility. The biggest contrast is between still-mild lowlands in parts of southern Europe and rapidly deteriorating conditions above roughly 1800 to 2500 metres across the Alpine arc.