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Europe Shivers: Arctic Blast Grips Continent
5 Jan
Summary
- Double-digit negative temperatures hit central Europe.
- Heavy snowfall caused significant disruption in Poland and Ukraine.
- Corsica experienced winds near 100mph, unusual for the region.
Much of Europe is facing a severe cold snap as 2026 begins, with central regions recording double-digit subzero temperatures and heavy snowfall impacting eastern areas like Poland and Ukraine. This harsh weather is expected to persist as an Arctic air mass continues to dominate, pushing temperatures significantly below the seasonal norm across the continent, except for the southeast.
Similar extreme conditions have affected other parts of the world. South Korea's Jeju Island experienced major disruptions, including flight and ferry cancellations, due to heavy snow accumulation and fierce winds. In a separate event, the French island of Corsica was battered by exceptionally strong winds, with gusts reaching nearly 100mph in the Cap Corse area.
The intense winds in Corsica, while regular Mistral events occur, were attributed to a specific atmospheric configuration. A high-pressure system in the Atlantic, positioned unusually far north, drove cold air southward, interacting with a developing low-pressure system in the Gulf of Genoa. This created a Venturi effect, accelerating winds through the Rhône valley and directing them toward Corsica.
