Siberian cold wave expected to reach Italy in early November

Meteorological projections indicate that the Burian, a freezing continental wind originating from the Siberian steppes, is expected to reach Italy in early November 2026. The phenomenon is driven by a high-pressure block between Northern Europe and Russia, known as the Voejkov Bridge, which prevents milder Atlantic air from entering the region and instead directs cold Eurasian air toward the Mediterranean.

The cold wave is anticipated to begin around the Halloween weekend, with the most significant temperature drops expected between November 3 and November 5. Temperatures could plummet 10 to 12 degrees Celsius below seasonal averages, bringing frost and night freezes even to low-lying plains.

Impacted areas are expected to include the Adriatic coast and central-southern regions, including Marche, Umbria, Abruzzo, Molise, Puglia, Basilicata, and Calabria, with potential effects in Sicily and Sardinia. The interaction between the cold air and the still-warm Mediterranean waters may trigger thunderstorms, rain, and windstorms. Snowfall is possible along the Apennine ridge, potentially descending to altitudes between 500 and 800 meters. In the north, the Alps may act as a shield against precipitation, though the Po Valley is expected to experience intense frost.