Expected precipitation at 23:30 on November 21, 2024. (source: Zoom Earth)
Slovakia is preparing for its first significant snowfall this winter, with snow moving in from the southwest, expected to blanket nearly all regions.
From Thursday night to Friday morning, between five and 15 centimetres of snow is forecast, with up to 20 centimetres in central Slovakia, according to the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMÚ). A first-level snow warning has been issued for the entire country, effective from 23:00 on Thursday until 11:00 on Friday. In addition, a national warning for snowdrifts and blowing snow will be in place from midnight until Friday evening.
“The heaviest snowfall is expected between 1:00 and 4:00, with snowfall intensity potentially exceeding four centimetres per hour,” reports the weather site imeteo.sk.
Weather warnings issued for November 21-22, 2024. (source: SHMÚ)
Probability of snowfall. (source: SHMÚ)
SHMÚ has also issued warnings for strong winds in mountainous areas and in southwestern Slovakia, where rain is more likely than snow. However, due to rapidly advancing warm air, this rain could freeze, posing additional hazards. Winds in the southwest could reach gusts of 65–80 km/hr. from 21:00 Thursday to 15:00 Friday.
Temperatures on Friday are expected to range from -2°C to 4°C.
Conditions are expected to less harsh by Friday afternoon and remain stable over the weekend.
A snowplough during snowfall on the Čertovica mountain pass in the Brezno district on November 21, 2024. (source: TASR – Ján Krošlák)
