Weather tracker: Europe braces for swing from Arctic chill to extreme heat

After a prolonged spell of cool conditions across much of Europe , a dramatic swing in temperatures is expected in the coming days as warmer air surges north into western and central parts of the continent. A large blocking high over the North Atlantic and slow-moving low pressure across southern Scandinavia dragged Arctic air southwards last week, sending temperatures 10-15C below the seasonal average for more than a week. Overnight frosts affected gardeners and farmers, including in France, where grape growers lit fires to protect vineyards. Such widespread and persistent cold weather has become increasingly rare in recent decades as Europe continues to warm faster than any other continent as a result of the climate crisis. The cool, unstable air also combined with strong May sunshine to trigger widespread thunderstorms. Between 11 and 16 May, about 750,000 lightning strikes were recorded across Europe and the surrounding areas. Serbia’s national weather and hydrological service issued red warnings for strong winds, heavy rainfall and hail. Over the weekend, an extension of low pressure farther to the north-west of Europe cut off the northerly flow and winds turned more westerly. Later this week, a large area of high pressure is forecast to build across western parts of the continent, drawing in hot air from north Africa. …