Yes, it’s March 2nd today and we are already in the meteorological spring, but the establishing pattern across southeast Europe and parts of the Balkan peninsula will still bring well above-normal and very warm air mass this week. Parts of the region is likely to experience low to mid 20s afternoon temperatures until Friday!
The supporting pattern indicates a trough entering the Mediterranean through early March, while ridging develops over the southeast Europe. Through the mid-week, trough digs further south into the southern Mediterranean while ridge spreads also in eastern Europe and west-southwest Russia.
This setup favors strong warm advection ahead of the trough into the Balkan peninsula and the Black Sea region, spreading also into eastern Europe and west-southwest Russia through the second part of the week. Attached is the sequence from Tuesday through Thursday.
Tuesday, March 3rd
Wednesday, March 4th
Thursday, March 5th
Here is a close-up view over the 2-meter maximum temperatures this week – many locations should experience the low to mid-20s. The highest values are expected over the Danubian plain due to favorable foehn effect with southwest winds from the Balkan mountains ridge into the valley. Attached are also temperature anomaly maps, which indicate the temperatures will be extremely warm for early March nevertheless.
Tuesday, March 3rd
Wednesday, March 4th
Thursday, March 5th
Meawhile further west, rainy period across the northern Mediterranean: