In recent days, snow has been the star of the show in corners of the planet as diverse as the Atacama Desert in Chile, the northernmost communities of Norway, and the ski resorts of Andorra.The appearance of snowfall in environments where this phenomenon is unusual, or the reinforcement of systems to ensure the presence of artificial snow, have marked the current meteorological and social situation, shedding light on the need to adapt to increasingly unpredictable weather conditions.
In the Atacama Desert, considered the driest in the world, the surprise came at dawn with a white blanket covering scientific facilities and camps. According to the ALMA Observatory, such an episode had not been seen for more than a decade. The snowfall affected the Operations Support Center and other areas located at almost 3.000 meters above sea level, more than 1.700 kilometers from Santiago. This event forced the activation of the emergency protocol. «survival mode» to protect technological infrastructure, which is particularly vulnerable to snow accumulation and extreme temperatures, which reached as low as -12°C, with thermal sensations close to -28°C.
Snow where it is never expected: the reaction of science and society
The event in Atacama has been interpreted by experts as a consequence of the combination of isolated showers and a sharp drop in nighttime temperatures, which created ideal conditions for this exceptional snowfall. ALMA Observatory, one of the most advanced and powerful astronomy projects internationally, has highlighted the rarity of the event and the importance of maintaining emergency protocols active until normality returns. Although there is debate as to whether these types of episodes can be directly attributed to climate change, climate models, according to climatologists consulted, suggest that Precipitation in traditionally dry areas could become somewhat more common in the coming decades.. Snow in desert environments is gaining greater relevance in climate studies.
Survival and routine in the face of snow in the Norwegian Arctic
Snow, far from being just a one-off meteorological phenomenon, defines everyday life in places like Hammerfest, Norway, located more than 600 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. There, The survival of parish and social life depends, to a large extent, on the constant work of removing snow every morningThe effort to keep the stairs and entrances to the church clear is essential, as it not only facilitates the arrival of parishioners but also guarantees the source of income from parking. The morning routine, marked by two hours of fighting the snow and intense cold, is part of an existence as demanding as it is integrating. Adapting to the extreme climate and the polar night is essential for the inhabitants of this region, where cultural diversity and closeness to nature influence all daily activities.
Ski resorts and the future of artificial snow in Andorra
On the other hand, adaptation to the scarcity of natural snowfall It's a priority for ski resorts. This is the case of Ordino Arcalís in Andorra, whose board of directors has decided to allocate part of its investment to the construction of new water reservoirs, with the aim of guaranteeing the production of artificial snow throughout the season. The commitment to strengthening current facilities and postponing the replacement of certain ski lifts It responds to the need for sufficient snow even during periods of low rainfall.. In total, the planned investment will exceed five million euros, with the creation of an exclusive reservoir to feed the snowmaking systems, which will allow maintaining the quality of the slopes and the safety of visitors.
Impacts and challenges of snow in different contexts
On Extreme phenomena associated with snow, whether in traditionally arid places, in Arctic regions or in tourist enclaves, highlight the complex relationship that human societies maintain with the climate. The increase in unusual events, such as snowfall in the Atacama Desert, generates both fascination and alarm, and demands the constant review of action protocols and adaptation strategies. Snow, which for many represents a source of leisure and beauty, also poses logistical, social, and economic challenges, forcing communities and businesses to better prepare for a future marked by meteorological uncertainty.
The importance of understanding and managing the impact of extreme events is reflected in the need for science, technology, and social engagement to be key tools for addressing climate instability, which, in many cases, turns snow into both a challenge and an opportunity.
