The splitting of the "polar vortex" will bring a lot of snow to Serbia on a major holiday

According to him, Serbia is currently on a meteorological seesaw between windy, gray, but unusually warm weather with temperatures reaching up to 15°C, frequent rain, strong košava winds, and the early-stage advance of cold air from Northern Europe, which—according to meteorologists—will bring a new wave of cooling and snowfall.

Ristić told Blic that winter equipment is still necessary, as a scenario is already “brewing” in the stratosphere that could paralyze the region by mid-February. These developments are expected to bring snow and icy days to Serbia.

Ristić confirms that the current “lull” of winter is only temporary and that conditions are shifting in favor of warmer air—but only for a short time.

Icy days in the second decade of February

Asked when icy days can be expected, he says that not all forecast models are yet aligned, but it is certain that they will occur in the second decade of February.

“The Siberian anticyclone, or the ‘Beast from the East,’ is being replaced by the ‘beauty from the West,’ which will bring rising temperatures this week. However, over the weekend, at the beginning of February, cooling is expected, with snow in the mountains. It will be colder, with maximum temperatures from 0 to 5°C, while light morning frost is expected. At the moment, it looks like a stronger cold spell will reach us in the second decade of February, and during the Sretenje school break, icy days and snowfall are possible,” Ristić says.

Ristić had earlier warned that key changes have been occurring in the stratosphere since January 25:

• Stratospheric warming – a sudden temperature spike high in the atmosphere,

• An anticyclone over the Atlantic – creating a “blocking” system that will open the path for cold air in the second decade of February,

• Snow in Belgrade – in February, especially around the Sretenje school break, cities will once again receive a snow cover.

Complete collapse of the polar vortex – lots of snow

The latest forecasts indicate a potential complete collapse of the polar vortex following a stratospheric warming event in early February.

“High-resolution model data show a breakdown of polar circulation, which, according to forecasts, will create a prolonged release of cold air across North America and Europe in February. The splitting of the polar vortex, stratospheric warming, and the establishment of strong northerly flow toward our region could bring a lot of snow and very cold weather,” Ristić announced.