Heavy snowfall and cold temperatures are forecast for Canada, especially in Alberta and Saskatchewan, with snowfall amounts reaching up to 250 mm. Sri Lanka is also bracing for heavy rain as a low-pressure system moves north-west. North-western Europe has seen a dramatic temperature rise following Storm Bert, while South Africa anticipates increased temperatures before a significant drop due to impending rain.
An area of low pressure has resulted in severe snowfall across western Canada this past weekend, prompting weather warnings in Alberta and Saskatchewan where snowfall amounts are expected to reach between 150-250 mm (6-10 inches). As this weather system progresses, it is anticipated that the eastern provinces will likewise experience significant snowfall at the beginning of the week. Following this heavy snowfall, a high-pressure system is likely to trap cold air from the north, resulting in extremely low temperatures, particularly in Saskatoon, where temperatures may decline to -20°C, considerably below the seasonal average by over 15°C. Furthermore, the cold air is predicted to extend southward into the United States by the weekend.
In contrast, Sri Lanka is preparing for heavy rains as a low-pressure area, which originated near the Philippines last week, shifts north-westward. Although the system is unlikely to develop into a tropical storm, it poses a risk of disruption due to continuous heavy rainfall, with a red weather warning signaling potential thunderstorms and 100-150 mm of rain in just 24 hours. Once this weather system passes, it is expected to head towards the eastern coast of India, potentially causing additional disruptions there.
Meanwhile, north-western Europe has experienced a sudden increase in temperatures following the conclusion of Storm Bert, which had brought significant winter weather. For example, Paris, having reported several centimeters of snow last week, recorded minimum temperatures in the mid-teens on Sunday, approaching average temperatures typically observed in July. Similarly, Santon Downham in eastern England saw remarkable temperature fluctuations, escalating from 2.7°C on Thursday to a high of 18.7°C in a mere three days. Notably, various weather stations reported temperature increases from below freezing to above seasonal averages within 24-36 hours.
In South Africa, a surge in temperatures is also expected shortly, with eastern regions poised to see temperatures rise by 5-10°C above seasonal averages, reaching 36-39°C in certain areas by Monday. However, this temperature increase will be accompanied by heavy rainfall projected for Wednesday, measuring up to 30 mm in some areas, which may cause a drop in temperatures to 15-20°C, approximately 5-7°C below normal.
The article discusses significant weather events occurring across various regions, particularly highlighting a low-pressure system affecting Canada, Sri Lanka, north-western Europe, and South Africa. It details the impact of this system, including heavy snowfall, cold temperatures, and heavy rainfall, which are all expected to disrupt daily life, agriculture, and general weather patterns. Understanding these weather dynamics provides insight into the broader implications of shifting weather patterns globally and the resultant challenges faced by different regions due to such extreme weather conditions.
In summary, extreme weather conditions across Canada, Sri Lanka, north-western Europe, and South Africa illustrate the varied effects of low-pressure systems on climate patterns. The heavy snowfall expected in Canada and the significant rainfall in Sri Lanka highlight the challenges that regions face due to intense meteorological phenomena. Meanwhile, the abrupt temperature surge in Europe showcases the rapidly changing weather scenarios as the seasons transition, reminding us of the vast and interconnected nature of climate influences across the globe.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
