Arctic air has tightened its grip on Europe, casting a chill over the continent as severe winds battered the island of Corsica. Temperatures plummeted across central regions, with some areas experiencing double-digit negatives - a far cry from the seasonal averages expected at this time of year.
In Eastern Europe, snowfall pummeled parts of Poland and Ukraine on New Year's Eve, with similar conditions observed in the Alps. The cold snap shows no signs of abating, as an Arctic air mass continues to sink south across the continent, pulling temperatures well below average outside of southeast Europe. By this week, it's expected that temperatures will drop by as much as 5C (9F) below normal, with some areas experiencing a far greater disparity - up to 10C (18F) lower than usual.
The severity of the cold is amplified when wind chill is factored in, making the conditions feel even more biting. The effects are not limited to Europe, however, as a similar cold air mass brought snow to South Korea, particularly on Jeju Island, where flights and ferries were cancelled due to heavy snowfall and strong winds.
In Corsica, remarkably strong winds took hold, battering the town of L'Île-Rousse with gusts reaching 60mph. Even more intense gusts - approaching 100mph - were recorded in the Cap Corse region, a peninsula on the island's north-east coast. While the Mistral wind is not uncommon in Corsica, this particular storm was different from the typical event.
The unusual setup of high pressure over the Atlantic and low pressure in the Gulf of Genoa funneled cold air through the narrow Rhône valley, causing it to accelerate rapidly before bursting over the Gulf of Lion. The resulting winds were directed eastward around the low-pressure system, eventually sweeping across the Balagne and Cap Corse regions of Corsica, bringing severe conditions to the island's northern tip.
In Eastern Europe, snowfall pummeled parts of Poland and Ukraine on New Year's Eve, with similar conditions observed in the Alps. The cold snap shows no signs of abating, as an Arctic air mass continues to sink south across the continent, pulling temperatures well below average outside of southeast Europe. By this week, it's expected that temperatures will drop by as much as 5C (9F) below normal, with some areas experiencing a far greater disparity - up to 10C (18F) lower than usual.
The severity of the cold is amplified when wind chill is factored in, making the conditions feel even more biting. The effects are not limited to Europe, however, as a similar cold air mass brought snow to South Korea, particularly on Jeju Island, where flights and ferries were cancelled due to heavy snowfall and strong winds.
In Corsica, remarkably strong winds took hold, battering the town of L'Île-Rousse with gusts reaching 60mph. Even more intense gusts - approaching 100mph - were recorded in the Cap Corse region, a peninsula on the island's north-east coast. While the Mistral wind is not uncommon in Corsica, this particular storm was different from the typical event.
The unusual setup of high pressure over the Atlantic and low pressure in the Gulf of Genoa funneled cold air through the narrow Rhône valley, causing it to accelerate rapidly before bursting over the Gulf of Lion. The resulting winds were directed eastward around the low-pressure system, eventually sweeping across the Balagne and Cap Corse regions of Corsica, bringing severe conditions to the island's northern tip.
I'm still trying to get used to the idea that I need to wear like 3 layers just to go for a walk outside... what's next? 
In all seriousness though, it's pretty wild how quickly this Arctic air mass has moved across Europe. Like, I've lived here my whole life and I've never seen anything like it. And poor Corsica, I feel bad for the people down there getting slammed with those insane winds! 
60mph is nothing to mess around with... what if they didn't have that special windbreak thingy? 
I mean, can you believe this cold snap? It's like Mother Nature decided to give Europe a big ol' wake-up call! 
I'm just glad everyone's safe and sound. The science-y stuff behind it all might be interesting to some, but let's focus on the good vibes 
. And on a lighter note, has anyone else ever had those crazy strong winds that make your windows rattle like crazy? Mind. Blown. 
i was trying to go for a jog this morning but my legs were all numb lol did u see the news about corsica tho?!? 60mph gusts in l'île-rousse?!?! that's wild 
... not exactly the chilliest of plans. But honestly, it's kinda cool to see Europe getting a taste of that Arctic air 
. On a more serious note, have you noticed how our planet is really struggling with temperature extremes lately? It's all about balance, guys 
. We need to take care of ourselves and the earth while it still can 
. Like, can't we have some decent weather for once? 
Sounds like a dream come true, right? 
At least they have some cool (get it?) wind-related disasters to deal with instead of, you know, sweltering summers 
.
The weather forecast is basically just telling us we should all stay home and drink hot chocolate for the next week. And seriously, 100mph winds on Corsica? That's like something out of a Bond villain movie 
. I'm all for a good excuse to cancel flights and ferries, but come on Jeju Island, you're like the Korean version of us, "Oh no, we can't make it to work, the snow is too deep"... 
Corsica is an island btw, so I think 60mph gusts are a bit expected. I mean its not like we're talking about some random village here. The weather forecast was pretty obvious too - low pressure in the Gulf of Genoa would bring cold air from the north. Not exactly rocket science 
And poor Corsica, getting slammed by those strong winds? 
60mph and even higher gusts? That's intense! 
Hope it warms up soon for everyone! 
. The idea that temperatures could drop by as much as 5C (9F) below normal is just wild 
I feel for anyone having to deal with cancelled flights and ferries in South Korea, too 
. At least they're getting some snow? 
Anyway, it's always a good excuse to cozy up with a warm cuppa 
️ and some Netflix... or start thinking about all the yoga poses to do to get warm again 
. I'm all about cozying up by the fireplace with a hot cup of tea and some popcorn now 
! And the fact that temperatures are expected to drop by as much as 10C (18F) below normal is just, wow 
. I've lived through some chilly winters before, but this is on a whole different level 
. This is just so interesting! 
but like on a positive note it's so cool how science can explain all these crazy weather patterns 
i mean who needs a beach vacation when you can have a snow day in corsica 
but at least it's not freezing all over europe... yet 
let's just hope our heating bills don't skyrocket this month 
