Issued: 0530hrs Friday 4th March 2011
Duty forecaster: Simon Keeling
Cold across northern Europe and unsettled to the south; fair through central areas
Friday
The area of high pressure stays in control over much of Europe through Friday. The high spreads from the UK, through much of France and into the west of Russia. It brings much dry but cold weather to the northern and central parts of France as well as the Low Countries, Germany, Poland and western Russia. There will be variable amounts of cloud in these area, although breaks in the cloud allowing some sunny spells to come through too.
The south of Europe is much more unsettled in a brisk east wind. Low pressure in the Mediterranean will be bringing some cloud and outbreaks of rain across eastern Spain, the Balearics, southern France and the south of Italy. It should be fair for much of Greece with sunny spells, although cloud and a few showers affect Turkey.
Unsettled across the northern third of Europe too. Plenty of wind across Norway and Sweden as well as Finland where there will be some periods of sleet and snow.
Saturday
Low pressure extends through the south of Europe bringing rain to western and southern coasts of Portugal. Spain should have a fair day with some sunny spells here. There will be further rain and cloud affecting Italy with a few showers for the east of Greece. Western Greece and Turkey should be fair with sunny spells throughout the day. Bulgaria and Romania are likely to be dry with sunny spells.
Central parts of Europe will be under the influence of high pressure. This brings chilly but sunny weather across most of France, southern Germany, Poland, Austria, Hungary and Switzerland. However, more cloud could affect the Low Countries and northern Germany bringing the threat of a few showers here.
A band of snow moves south through the Baltic States with snow showers following behind. These snow showers could be heavy at times, especially on the coasts, although there will be some sunny spells too. Similar conditions for Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Cold across much of northern Europe.