Severe Arctic air has gripped Europe, battering parts of France with strong winds that have brought temperatures plummeting to double-digit negatives. The cold snap has already taken its toll in Poland and Ukraine, where heavy snowfall hit on New Year's Eve.
As the arctic air mass continues to spread south across Europe this week, temperatures are expected to fall by as much as 10C below average, with some areas - such as central and north-eastern regions - experiencing even more significant drops. When wind chill is factored in, the feeling of cold will be even more biting.
But it's not just mainland Europe that's being affected. The arctic air has also brought snow to South Korea, where flights and ferries were cancelled due to strong winds and significant wind shear on the island of Jeju. In contrast, Corsica is experiencing remarkably strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 100mph in the Cap Corse region.
The unique combination of high pressure positioned in the Atlantic and a low-pressure system developing in the Gulf of Genoa has driven the cold air southward across France, creating a Venturi-like effect that funnels the wind through the Rhône valley. From there, it's been directed eastward around the base of the low-pressure system before hitting Corsica.
The resulting winds have caused significant disruption on the island, particularly in the Balagne and Cap Corse regions. While the Mistral wind regularly affects Corsica, this is not a textbook event - the high pressure positioned in the Atlantic has shifted the typical pattern, creating an unusual combination of cold air and strong winds that are bringing temperatures to new lows.
As the arctic air mass continues to spread south across Europe this week, temperatures are expected to fall by as much as 10C below average, with some areas - such as central and north-eastern regions - experiencing even more significant drops. When wind chill is factored in, the feeling of cold will be even more biting.
But it's not just mainland Europe that's being affected. The arctic air has also brought snow to South Korea, where flights and ferries were cancelled due to strong winds and significant wind shear on the island of Jeju. In contrast, Corsica is experiencing remarkably strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 100mph in the Cap Corse region.
The unique combination of high pressure positioned in the Atlantic and a low-pressure system developing in the Gulf of Genoa has driven the cold air southward across France, creating a Venturi-like effect that funnels the wind through the Rhône valley. From there, it's been directed eastward around the base of the low-pressure system before hitting Corsica.
The resulting winds have caused significant disruption on the island, particularly in the Balagne and Cap Corse regions. While the Mistral wind regularly affects Corsica, this is not a textbook event - the high pressure positioned in the Atlantic has shifted the typical pattern, creating an unusual combination of cold air and strong winds that are bringing temperatures to new lows.
. I mean, who needs a ski trip to Europe when you can have -20°C in your own backyard? France is like the winter wonderland right now! 
But seriously, I feel for those guys in Poland and Ukraine, they're already dealin' with harsh winters, so this just adds insult to injury. And South Korea, I'm surprised they got hit with snow at all... that's just wild 
. Corsica's wind situation is straight outta a horror movie, 100mph gusts? That's just nuts 
! Guess Mother Nature likes to keep us on our toes this time of year 
.
The whole thing feels so unpredictable, like the weather's playing some crazy game of cat & mouse. I guess it just goes to show how these powerful low-pressure systems can wreak havoc on a region. Anyway, I'm gonna stay huddled in my cozy blanket with a hot cuppa... you? 
. Europe's freezing like crazy right now... I mean, double-digit negatives? That's just insane. Poland and Ukraine got slammed with snow on New Year's Eve, and it's only getting worse from here. The winds are blowing so hard in Corsica that I'm surprised people aren't getting hurt 
. And now flights and ferries in South Korea are cancelled due to strong winds... what a pain 
. It's like the whole continent is one big ice rink 
️. At least it's not snowing in London or anything, but still, 10C below average? That's just cruel 
I mean, I know some people enjoy the snow and all that, but when it's -20°C outside, it's just too much 
. I'm just trying to watch my favorite show or scroll through my phone, not freeze my buns off 
.
. Can't we just have a decent season for once? I'm starting to think I'll never experience a mild winter again 
. Just can't win with this weather stuff, am I right? 
, while Corsica is just getting thrashed 
- this Venturi-like effect thingy is what's driving the winds to hit those areas so hard 
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. But Corsica? That sounds like a whole different story 
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. But at the same time, it's also kind of brought us all together, you know? Neighbors are helping neighbors and everyone's just trying to get through the day 
️.
. I hope the cold snap passes soon!