Arctic air sweeps across Europe, bringing record low temperatures

Significant snowfall in parts of continent and Slovenia has its coldest April night with -20.6C recordedBitterly cold Arctic air swept southwards last week to affect large parts of Europe. While cold weather is not unusual in April, this spell brought significant snowfall and record low temperatures to parts of the continent. Slovenia had its coldest night for April, with -20.6C recorded at Novi Vasi na Blokah, beating the previous record set in 1956. The low temperatures also had a considerable impact on vineyard and orchard owners in France and Italy, who have been taking measures to protect their crops. Anti-frost candles were deployed, with fruit trees artificially covered in ice to protect the blossoms from frost.Alaska has also been experiencing unusually cold and snowy weather, with blizzards and extremely low overnight minimums. Numerous records were broken, with -43C recorded in the North Slope region 8 April. Continue reading...