Issued: 0530hrs Tuesday 18th April 2017
Duty forecaster: Garry Nicholson

Hot south-western Iberia; windy central Europe

Tuesday
High pressure resides across northern Europe, whilst low pressure brings unsettled conditions to some southern areas. A strong easterly wind affects central regions of the continent, bringing colder than average temperatures to many countries. In southern Spain and Portugal however, it will be hot, with highs topping 32C thanks to a continental airflow across Iberia. A front brings showers to northern Iberia. A strong mistral wind affects southern France, whilst low pressure over Italy brings heavy rain to the Adriatic and northern Balkan states. Meanwhile, Greece and the eastern Mediterranean stays dry.
Showery conditions affect Germany and the Czech Republic, whilst persistent rain is likely for southern Poland. Snow is likely over higher terrain. Temperatures only 6 to 9C. Dry for most of France and the Low Countries. Extensive dry weather across Scandinavia, although a cold wind affects the southern Baltic, perhaps a few snow flurries to the coast of Sweden. Fronts also bring showers to the far north.

Wednesday
A strong easterly flow continues to affect central Europe, maintaining chilly conditions for many. Staying hot though in south-western Iberia, 25 to 30C in Portugal and southern Spain. Cooler and windy for the Biscay coasts. Plenty of sunshine for western France. Low pressure over south-eastern Europe brings persistent heavy rain and mountain snow to the Balkans, plus the eastern Alps. A few showers for Italy and Greece, but dry around the Black Sea.
High pressure continues to reside across northern Europe. Dry weather extends across the Low Countries, much of Germany and Poland, but it stays cool. Dry around the Baltic, with plenty of sunshine. Fronts moving in from the west bring cloud to Norway, and outbreaks of rain and mountain snow to western areas.