Forecasts point to a milder-than-usual winter in Europe, with less snow likely in Latvia
October forecasts from the EU's Copernicus climate change service and the Severe Weather Europe portal suggest winter may be warmer than normal across much of Europe. Snow in the Baltics, including Latvia, may be below average, though strong frost and heavy snowfall remain possible in some periods.
Early forecasts for the coming winter suggest that Europe, including the Baltic states, could see warmer weather than usual and less snow than normal. The picture emerges from October data from Copernicus, the European climate change service, and from forecast models compiled by the meteorology portal Severe Weather Europe. For residents of Latvia, the outlook matters when preparing for the coldest months, although the forecasts do not rule out sharp swings in conditions.
A warmer winter across much of Europe
Copernicus forecasts indicate that the average winter air temperature across a large part of Europe could exceed the norm. A milder winter is possible overall, though cold snaps may still occur in some regions and periods.
Less snow
European and British forecast models compiled by Severe Weather Europe point to snowfall below the usual level across most of the continent. The latest calculations show the same for the Baltic states, Latvia included.
A snowless winter is not guaranteed
That does not mean Latvia will have a winter without snow. Even if the overall air temperature is above normal, both strong frost and intense snowfall are possible in individual periods.
Atmospheric circulation will also play a part. If high-pressure areas strengthen in the north during the winter, colder air masses could reach the Baltics as well. More frequent inflows of warm, moist air from the Atlantic Ocean, on the other hand, would bring thaws and rain.
