Romania is bracing for a wave of winter weather, with snow expected across large swathes of the country through Thursday morning. The National Meteorological Administration (ANM) has issued warnings for mountainous regions, as well as Maramureș, Transylvania, Moldova, Dobrogea, and Muntenia, forecasting snowfall and the potential for icy conditions.
The approaching system isn’t just bringing snow; strong winds are also anticipated. A yellow code alert is in effect for Moldova, Transylvania, eastern and southwestern Oltenia, and northern Dobrogea, where wind gusts could reach 50-70 kilometers per hour. Further warnings, including both yellow and orange alerts, cover the Southern and Curvature Carpathians, and parts of the Western Carpathians, with conditions expected to include blizzards and reduced visibility.
In Bucharest, the forecast calls for variable skies, with a chance of light snow overnight, potentially preceded by mixed precipitation and icy patches. Temperatures in the capital are expected to reach a high of around 7 degrees Celsius during the day, dropping to between -2 and -1 degree Celsius overnight.
The ANM’s current advisory, valid from 10:00 AM Wednesday to 8:00 AM Thursday, highlights the risk of moderate precipitation, snow accumulation in the mountains, blizzard conditions, icy roads, and strong winds. The heaviest snowfall is expected in the mountains and Maramureș, whereas Transylvania and Moldova will likely see predominantly snow. Dobrogea and Muntenia may experience a mix of rain and snow in the evening before transitioning to snow.
Mountainous Regions Face Severe Conditions
The Southern and Curvature Carpathians are expected to receive the most significant snowfall, with localized accumulations of 10 to 15 liters per square meter. This will translate to a new snow layer averaging 10 to 15 centimeters in depth. Winds in these areas will be particularly strong, gusting up to 70-85 kilometers per hour on the peaks, and exceeding 85-90 kilometers per hour, creating blizzard conditions and severely limiting visibility.
A separate orange alert is in effect for areas above 1,500 meters in the Southern and Curvature Carpathians, where wind gusts could reach 80-110 kilometers per hour, leading to extreme blizzard conditions and visibility dropping below 50 meters.
Temporary wind intensification is also forecast for eastern, southwestern, and parts of central Romania, with gusts generally reaching 45-55 kilometers per hour.
Widespread Wind Alerts and Potential for Icy Roads
A yellow code warning for strong winds is in effect across much of Moldova, parts of Transylvania, western and southwestern Oltenia, and northern Dobrogea. The ANM advises residents in these areas to secure loose objects and exercise caution during outdoor activities.
The combination of precipitation and low temperatures also raises concerns about the formation of ice, particularly on roads and walkways. Drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution and to be prepared for slippery conditions.
Looking ahead, the ANM will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the latest forecasts and warnings through official channels. The next update from ANM is expected Thursday morning, following the expiration of the current alerts.
For the latest information and updates on the weather situation, please refer to the ANM website.
