general

Cold snap hits parts of Europe as Cyclone Narelle batters Australia

A migrating low pressure brought heavy snow and violent bora winds to southern Europe while Cyclone Narelle crossed northern Australia, re-intensified to category 4 and moved toward Western Australia.

Mar 27th 2026 · Australia

Insights

  • A low pressure system that earlier affected the UK moved south across Europe, bringing rain and hill snow to the Alps.
  • Swiss forecasts expected 20 to 40 cm above 600 m and 60 to 100 cm above 1,000 m by Friday morning.
  • The low settled over the Adriatic and produced thundery showers, heavy rain, sleet, hill snow and strong winds across nearby countries.
  • Croatia faced 15 to 50 cm of snow in the Gospić region and a near 70 mph gust was recorded at Rijeka airport, with agencies warning bora gusts up to 100 mph.
  • Cyclone Narelle formed on 15 March, strengthened to category 4 with gusts above 165 mph off Queensland, traversed northern Australia, re-emerged over the Indian Ocean and was moving inland near Perth on Friday.