Cold Shock Fades as a “Snow Roller” Moves Across Austria

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Austria is bracing for a turbulent winter weekend as a shift in weather patterns brings milder—but significantly wetter—conditions across the country. After days of biting cold driven by strong easterly winds, a southern airflow is now pushing moist air into the Alps. According to the Austrian Severe Weather Center (UWZ), several low‑pressure systems will trigger widespread snowfall, rain, and in some regions dangerous freezing rain. The highest risk of icy surfaces is expected from Friday night into early Sunday.

Persistent Risk of Ice

Meteorologists warn that freezing drizzle remains a concern, particularly in northern and eastern regions. “Fog in these areas may produce intermittent freezing drizzle, which significantly increases the risk of icy roads and pavements,” the UWZ cautions. Alerts for freezing rain remain active through Saturday night and, in some areas, into Sunday morning.

Saturday: Precipitation Spreads North

On Saturday, precipitation will gradually move from the southern Alpine regions toward the north. Lower elevations may continue to experience hazardous ice due to freezing rain, while Upper Austria is expected to see snowfall reaching down into the valleys. Western Austria will enjoy occasional breaks in the clouds, with some sunshine appearing during the day.

Snow Reaches Vienna

Another developing low over the Gulf of Genoa will bring fresh precipitation on Sunday. “The focus of snowfall will shift toward the eastern half of Austria during the late morning, while western regions become increasingly dry,” the UWZ reports. Northern Tyrol may even see sunny intervals. Temperatures will range from minus one to plus six degrees, accompanied by light to moderate easterly winds.

Monday: Clouds Give Way to Sunshine

The new week will begin under widespread cloud cover, with light snowfall lingering along the northern Alps. As the day progresses, drier air from the south will bring improving conditions, though western Austria will remain cloudy for longer. Elsewhere, sunshine will break through more frequently, offering a brief calm after the weekend’s wintry mix.