Weather in Albanian Alps

​Research Weather Albanian Alps

The proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and the region's topography contribute significantly to heavy precipitation in the Albanian Alps. In the central and western parts of the range, known as the Accursed Mountains, the average annual precipitation ranges from 2500 to 3300 mm. Approximately two-thirds of this amount falls during the colder half of the year, providing a consistent snowpack for at least five months. These conditions even allow for the
formation of glaciers at altitudes around 2000 m in shaded locations (Gachev, E.: 2017).

Low-pressure systems associated with storms in the Mediterranean often develop due to the convergence of air masses with contrasting temperatures.

For instance, the collision of cold air moving southward from central Europe with warm, moist air from the Mediterranean frequently leads to the formation of cyclones over the Adriatic Sea (De Luque et al., 2006). Additionally, the Mediterranean region experiences significant thermal contrasts, particularly in transitional seasons like spring and autumn. These contrasts, resulting from variations in air and sea surface temperatures, contribute to atmospheric instability and the formation of storms (INM/WMO, 1997).

The Albanian Alps are impacted by a typical western circulation pattern prevalent in the Mediterranean region for approximately 70% of the season.

This circulation pattern brings moist-rich air masses from the Atlantic, resulting in heavy precipitation under optimal dynamic conditions. Furthermore, the arrival of cold air masses from the northern hemisphere often leads to the formation of cyclones over the Adriatic Sea (Stoyanov and Gachev, 2013). In addition, when cold fronts move from continental Europe, they commonly result in heavy short-term precipitation in the Dinaric Alps Range (Stoyanov and Gachev, 2013).
Jet streams moving from west to east also play a significant role in bringing storms from the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean directly to the Mediterranean region’s interior.
The Boge valley, located within the Albanian Alps, receives annual rainfall surpassing 3000 mm, making it one of the wettest areas in continental Europe (Mustaqi, V.: 1986). This valley serves as an important reference point due to extensive measurements and weather research conducted there. Its geographic formation creates a venturi-like effect, channeling air masses from
the Adriatic toward the Central Albanian Alps, where the heaviest snowfall occurs and snowpack stability is high.

Throughout most of the season, the area is impacted by west and northwest winds, which can become more extreme during abrupt temperature changes or the formation of low-pressure systems.

Regarding short-term weather prediction, the most reliable models are ECMWF (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts) and ICON (Integrated Forecasting System).
In addition to scientific data, local observations and knowledge from inhabitants and guides in the area contribute valuable insights.

The snow typically covers the alpine areas from mid-November, forming a strong bond with the soil and rocks. Skiing activities usually commence in December. December and January are the coldest months, characterized by stormy and violent weather conditions. February remains cold and can be windy, particularly when influenced by southern hemispheric conditions. In recent years, March and April have exhibited the best weather, accompanied by a few heavy snowfall days.

The average snowpack thickness throughout the year is approximately 2 meters, while in the Doberdol area, there can still be 1.5 meters of snowpack in May, lasting until June.

Remarkably, the Albanian Alps are home to some of the lowest glaciers in southern Europe, even at altitudes as low as 1900 meters above sea level, and snow patches can be found at just 1640 meters WIND

The prevailing wind patterns in the region during the majority of the season are characterized by the influence of west and northwest winds. These winds can exhibit heightened intensity, particularly during instances of rapid temperature fluctuations or the formation of low-pressure systems.

It is important to note that the impacts of these west and northwest winds can change direction and effect on the terrain after they interact with the mountain's topography resulting in wind-charged slabs and cornices predominately on south-eastern ridges and passes or northern faced peaks.


References:


-De Luque, A., Porja, T., Martin, A., Guijarro, J.A., Alonso, S.: A case of severe
flood over Albania: A rainfall analysis from a satellite perspective, Advances in
Geosciences, Vol. 7, pp 65-72, January 2006


-INM/WMO – International Symposium on Cyclones and Hazardous Weather in
the Mediterranean, Spain 1997
-Gachev E (2017) The Unknown Southernmost Glaciers of Europe. Glaciers
Evolution in a Changing World. InTech. DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.68899.


-.Stoyanov K, Gachev E. Climatic controls over the recent development of
small glaciers on the Balkan peninsula. In: International Conference FMNS,
Blagoevgrad, vol. 5; 2013.
- Muça, L., Mustaqi, V., Themelko, B., Bruci, E.: Regional climate change of
natyral anthropic origin : A study focused on the region of Albania, Hamburg,
1997 - Mustaqi, V.: Disa vecori të reshjeve në Shqipëri. Akademia e
Shkencave, Instituti Hidrometeorologjik, Tiranë 1986
-Validation of Climate Research Unit GIS database
- Porja, T.: The effect of orography and latent heat flux from Adriatic Sea in the
intensification and location of heavy rainfall of September 2002 over Albania