Less than 40 percent of the Alps were covered in snow in February – a record low – data from France’s Center for Space Biosphere Studies (Cesbio) show. Cesbio satellite images highlight the impact of climate change on exceptionally low snow levels throughout the winter – but especially in February, when there was almost no snowfall for the entire month.
Meanwhile, photos published on French news websites showed tourists moving around in mud instead of the traditional snowy landscape.
Average snow cover for the whole of February was recorded at 37.7 per cent in the Alpine regions, while last month was recorded as the warmest globally on record, according to data from the EU’s Copernicus satellite. The sector was hit by a severe lack of snow, with some French ski resorts almost forced to close before the late return of snow in recent days saved the season.
Forecasts of significant impending snowfall from pressure trough Monica are expected to bring more welcome relief to the region. Météo France says up to 30cm of snow will fall in the central mountains, while up to 50cm in areas above 1,800m in the southern Alps.
