Polar winds reach the region for the first time, accompanied by heavy snowfall. Does this herald the approach of cold waves?

Arab Weather - Meteorologists at the Arab Weather Regional Center said that the latest computer outputs show the rush of a polar air mass, cold to very cold, towards eastern Europe, specifically Turkey and its surroundings, early in the year and before the onset of winter, accompanied by a significant drop in temperatures with heavy rains and heavy snowfall over the high mountain heights.

Temperatures drop to about 10 degrees below zero

Under the influence of the cold air mass, Turkey is witnessing a sharp drop in temperatures, reaching below zero at night in the highlands. Temperatures are expected to range between 2 and -5 degrees Celsius in many areas (reaching only 2 degrees in Ankara) and temperatures may range from 8-12 degrees below zero in the northeastern highlands, values that have been recorded for the first time in several months and are believed to be since last spring.

Heavy snowfall and accumulation of large thicknesses

According to computer maps, heavy snowfall is expected to occur in the northern mountainous heights of Turkey, especially in the highlands of Trabzon and Rize. Heavy snowfall also includes cities such as Igdir and Erzurum, with large amounts of snow accumulating and obstructing aspects of public life, with the formation of frost, which may lead to difficulties in transportation due to the accumulation of snow and ice.

Heavy thunderstorms in low-lying areas

Due to the formation of thick cumulonimbus clouds carrying large amounts of rain, the risks of floods and the flow of valleys and ravines increase significantly, in addition to the formation of floods, rising water levels in roads, and the occurrence of rock and landslides, especially on slopes as a result of soil saturation with rainwater.

Does the arrival of polar winds herald the approach of cold waves in the eastern Mediterranean?

In this context, weather experts at the Arab Weather Center said that the arrival of cold winds to eastern Europe does not necessarily mean the approach of cold waves, but is reflected in the form of a drop in temperatures below their average and the prevalence of pleasant autumn weather during the day and relatively cold at night (cold in the mountains and desert areas), as a result of the air losing its cold properties when it passes over the surface of the Mediterranean Sea, which has been witnessing noticeable warming for several months.

And God knows best.