Yvette and the weather in Europe – May 2014

Abstract

The paper presents the characteristics of the life cycle of the “Yvette” cyclone and the associated rainfall in Europe. The low originated on May 13th over the Gulf of Genoa. The system moved along Vb route over the Hungarian lowlands, then changed its path to the west. The system was visible on the maps for approx 4.5 days. Heavy rain affected areas of Serbia situated south-west of Belgrade. On May 14th the daily totals reached 112 mm in Belgrade and 130 mm in Loznica. In Bosnia and Herzegovina the rainfall was much lower than in Serbia. In Croatia the precipitation maxima were smaller than in Serbia and BiH. In Poland the highest rainfall occurred between 15 and 17 of May. Record amount of pre-cipitation was measured on May 15th in Zakopane (114 mm). If Yvette trajectory had not been shifted from the Vb pathway toward the west the precipitation and flood risk in Poland would have been higher.