Fresh Snowfall In the Alps

Ski areas in the Alps are celebrating the first significant fresh snowfall of September, with accumulations of up to 20cm (8") reported.

The fresh snow was mostly reported above 3,000m altitudes and most areas just got a dusting, but some Austrian glaciers, four of which are hoping to start their 26-27 seasons in three weeks time or less, reported more.

The arrival of snowfall is badly needed following the hot summer which saw freezing points move above mountain peaks for prolonged period, resulting in most snow cover on glaciers melting away. Most of the summer ski areas that are usually open now have been forced to temporarily close, although Italy's Passo Stelvio, which had been closed for three weeks, reopened thanks to a temperature drop last week. Fresh snowfall there yesterday is pictured below.

Unfortunately temperatures have risen again and sunshine returned so the fresh snow may not last through the weekend, however in the mid-term forecast a fresh front and lower temperatures is expected around the middle of next week, hopefully bringing more snow.