29.5 degrees – Innsbruck was the warmest place in Austria on Saturday. The zero degree mark was a whopping 3900 meters, and a new pattern of danger awaits the tourers. The mercury will rise towards 30 degrees on Sunday.
Forecaster Christoph Mitterer of the Tyrolean Avalanche Warning Service is surprised: “In my 15 years of professional experience, this is the first time that we have a combination of winter snow cover in the high mountains and summer weather at the beginning of April.” In fact, there is still an almost record amount of snow in the Tyrolean mountains. At the same time, temperatures are rising to levels barely known for this period of the year. On Saturday it was 29.5 degrees in Innsbruck, 27.1 in Imst, 26.8 in Patsch, 26.2 in Kufstein.
Zero degree limit at 3900 meters
It was also incredibly warm at high altitude: the zero degree limit was at 3900 meters. Conclusion of avalanche warning Mitterer: “We have stricter spring conditions, there is a risk of wet and sliding snow avalanches.” There was danger level 3 in Tyrol before noon on Saturday – significant danger. This will also be the case this Sunday.
Humidification starts earlier
Temperatures are rising again and the sunny weather is attracting many alpinists to the mountains. April is generally considered the best month for touring. “The rule to ski before 10 a.m. on an eastern slope, before 11 a.m. on a southern slope and before 12 a.m. on a western slope does not currently apply,” Mitterer warns. “It means once again that at this time of year we have to start and leave earlier than normal.” The snow surface cools less at night and moisture begins to absorb earlier. The result: wet and sliding snow avalanches that can release earlier than normal.
Will the 30 degree mark drop?
“I cannot rule out that the 30 degree mark will drop in Tyrol on Sunday,” says meteorologist Andreas Demel of the Ubimet weather service. In any case, temperatures are rising again, only Sahara dust will moderate the increase somewhat. “It will continue in the same way on Monday and it will cool down on Tuesday evening. Temperatures will then rise to 15 to 17 degrees, which would be ‘normal’ for the beginning of April.”
From the current perspective, the change will of course take place next weekend. The mercury column once again makes its way to an exceptionally high height.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
