LONDON (Reuters) - Most of Europe is likely to see colder-than-average weather in April, while May will bring higher temperatures than usual, U.S.-based Weather Services International said on Monday.
Britain, the Nordic region and the northern European mainland are forecast to receive cooler-than-normal weather next month, while southern countries are set to enjoy higher temperatures, the specialist weather forecaster said in its latest three-month outlook.
"Over the next few weeks, below-normal temperatures will be confined to northern sections of Europe, while above-normal temperatures will become commonplace in the south," WSI Chief Meteorologist Todd Crawford said.
The trend is forecast to reverse in May, when southern Europe is set to see below-average temperatures, while the rest of Europe will be warmer.
Crawford expects this summer to be similar to the one in 2008 with a negative North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), meaning the strongest summer heat will be limited to the southern half of Europe.
WSI will publish its official summer outlook on April 25.
Changes in weather patterns impact energy markets -- and therefore energy prices -- as colder weather can boost demand for heating, while warmer weather can mean a rise in power needed for air conditioning.
For the whole of Europe WSI predicts three-month regional temperature anomalies as follows:
APRIL Nordic Region - Cooler than normal UK - Cooler than normal Northern mainland - Cooler than normal Southern mainland - Warmer than normal
MAY Nordic Region - Warmer than normal UK - Warmer than normal Northern mainland - Warmer than normal, except Poland Southern mainland - Cooler than normal
JUNE Nordic Region - Cooler than normal UK - Cooler than normal Northern mainland - Warmer than normal Southern mainland - Warmer than normal
(Reporting by Karolin Schaps; editing by James Jukwey)