Onset of winter

Mediterranean low brings white valleys once again

Only last week it snowed as far as Carinthia's valleys. On Tuesday it should be that time again.

(Bild: Uta Rojsek-Wiedergut)

Winter will give one last strong sign of life this week. The precipitation could even turn Carinthia's valleys and the provincial capital into a white winter landscape. This means there will also be great danger on the local roads.

"An Adriatic low will reach us on Tuesday night, bringing some precipitation with it," says Andreas Mansberger, meteorologist at Geosphere Austria. And that means spring is likely to take a short break. It is even possible that the snow could reach Klagenfurt and Villach. "The forecasts are still somewhat uncertain. It depends on how much the snow line fluctuates," explains the meteorologist in an interview with "Kärntner Krone".

Spring returns for the weekend
Tuesday and Wednesday will also be wintry in Carinthia. "On Wednesday, it is also possible that snow could reach the valleys."

Spring should only be able to assert itself again on Thursday. "Temperatures will slowly start to rise again. From Friday, it will be spring-like again," says Mansberger.

Great danger on the roads
The winter tire requirement in Austria ends on April 15. And for this reason, many Carinthians have already fitted summer tires on their cars. And the weather on Tuesday could cause some chaos on the roads. 

What drivers need to know:

• Adjust your speed: The speed should be adjusted. There is an increased risk of skidding with summer tires.
• Keep your distance: Especially in city traffic or on the highway, you should avoid tailgating. This is because winter road conditions also increase the braking distance

"Summer tires have no place on winter roads," warns the ÖAMTC. Not only is the risk of accidents increased with summer tires in snow and slush, but insurance companies can also pull out in the event of an accident, often leaving drivers with horrendous costs. "You should really think about whether you need the car on Tuesday. Winter tires are definitely recommended," says Mansberger.