The Dry stretch for the Alps is coming to an end with a series of storms this week. The first storm will bring moderate impacts to the Alps as the storm track remains north of the region. The second storm, starting Tuesday night, will produce heavy snowfall across the western Alps through Friday. 

The return to active weather is courtesy of a strong upper-level low centered over Northern Europe. It will move far enough south to bring sufficient moisture and dynamics for a period of light to moderate snow. This storm has trended a bit stronger over the last twenty-four hours. Flakes will start flying between late afternoon and evening on Sunday and continue through early Tuesday morning. By Tuesday, most of the northern Alps should have 10 - 20 cms of snow. Temperatures will stay cold for this round of snow. Check out the latest snow forecast from the European model below.

Without much of a break, the next storm approaches from the west on Tuesday night. As has been the case several times this season, this westerly track will lead to southwest winds that bring in warmer air from the Atlantic Ocean. This will cause snow levels to rise on Tuesday, continuing through Wednesday.

In Northern France, snow levels will top out around 2000 m, which is a bit higher than what the models were showing yesterday. They should not get quite as high in Switzerland and Austria, likely topping out around 1800 m. 

This storm will have a lot of moisture, and precipitation totals will be impressive for a two-day event. Winds will start out of the southwest, as mentioned, transition to the west, and then finally to the northwest at the end of the storm. This will favor the French Alps, especially the northern parts. The western Swiss Alps will do well also. 

The northern French Alps can generally expect 30 - 60 cms, with the Chamonix area possibly approaching 80 cms. Western Switzerland should see 25 - 50 cms, with 15 - 30 cms in the central and eastern parts of the country. In the Austrian Alps, expect 10 - 20 cms with the higher end of that range likely in the western pat of the country.

Check out the latest snow forecast from the European model below.

We should see a break in the action once the big storm ends, with dry weather through the weekend and early next week. There are some signals for another storm around Tuesday the 23rd but its a bit too early for much confidence. 

Thanks for reading the Europe Daily Snow!

Luke Stone
Forecaster, OpenSnow