Fresh August Snowfall in the Alps
Fresh August Snowfall in the Alps
Published : 28-Aug-2023 06:54
The recent weeks of very hot weather in the Alps have come to an end with snowfall reported on glaciers for the final few days of meteorological summertime.
Freezing point reached a record high 5,300m in the Swiss Alps a few weeks ago and double digit plus temperatures were reported on glaciers but there's been a dramatic drop in temperatures back below freezing over the past few days.
Some forecasting models are predicting up to 60cm (two feet) of snowfall possible on glaciers over the next few days, with heavy rain at lower elevations.
The stormy conditions have already impacted summer operations at Alpine ski areas and the four glacier areas currently open for snowsports at Hintertux in Austria, Passo Stelvio in Italy, and Switzerland's Saas Fee and Zermatt.
Passo Stelvio announced last week that it was closing temporarily because of the heat impact on its snowpack, but hopes to reopen this week if there has been enough fresh snowfall. A decision will be made on Tuesday.
At least three Austrian glacier ski areas plan to open for their 23-24 seasons in September.
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