The cold snap The Siberian cold wave we're experiencing is reaching its peak across Spain. As for temperature records, they are reaching particularly low levels that are not normal. This Siberian cold wave in Spain is not an isolated phenomenon, as the country is experiencing extreme weather reminiscent of other cold waves in the past, for example, what's happening in Japan, where the cold has also left record temperatures. To better understand the impact of these cold waves, it's interesting to look at what has happened in Japan.
Not only the cold, but the rain and the wind are contributing to this cold wave bringing down the snow level to unexpected places. Let's look at the details of this Siberian cold snap.
Temperatures below zero
In some towns in Lleida, temperatures have reached as low as -12 degrees Celsius. Other notable lows include the lows at the Lleida-Bordeta resort, where temperatures reached -7,4 degrees Celsius. The record low temperature of the day in Catalonia, however, was set by Das, in La Cerdanya, with -21,6 degrees. These types of extreme events are worrying, especially when considering the effects of climate change on the rest of the world, such as the impact it has had on its population. This situation reminds us of the importance of understanding extreme weather and its implications, as in the case of the cold waves that have occurred throughout history and have also affected places like Spain.
According to the State Meteorological Agency, the three provinces of Aragon: Ávila, Burgos, León, Segovia, Soria, Zamora, Girona, Lleida, Navarra, La Rioja, and Asturias will be on orange alert (significant risk) for low temperatures. They are also on a significant risk alert in the Balearic Islands due to the east wind that will blow in Mallorca and Menorca, generating coastal phenomena. Girona is also on orange alert for the same reason, as strong winds with very strong gusts are expected in the Empordà region.
Snow levels
The snow levels are so low that the snow has reached the Alicante coast and has covered municipalities such as Dénia and Xàbia in white, and has led to cutting off traffic on the Les Planes road, which connects both towns along the Montgó. Such a snowfall has not been recorded since the 80s. This highlights the seriousness of the current situation and reminds us of other extreme weather events that have been experienced in the past, as well as places so cold that they seem impossible to inhabit, as detailed in certain places in the world where extreme cold is common and highlights the importance of the .
Some warnings against bad weather
The municipalities of the localities with lower temperatures and more intense colder have recommended do not take your own vehicle if it is not necessary, as they can cause risks and traffic problems. In the municipality of Dénia, school classes have been suspended. With the increase in sub-zero temperatures, various recommendations have been issued on how to act in extreme cold conditions, such as those found in the analysis of the feeling of cold when it snows, which may be useful to the population.
Extreme cold can also have an impact on health, so it's essential to stay informed about how to prevent its effects. Recommendations on how to stay safe during this cold snap are crucial, especially considering the climate is changing at alarming levels. For more information on how to cope with these low temperatures, see the article on temperatures in Spain.
Increase in electricity consumption
The cold wave in Spain has increased electricity consumption for heating. This has led to limits that have not been reached since 2012In Catalonia, electricity consumption has increased by 7% due to the cold wave, which has left almost the entire region with temperatures below zero. This increase in heating and energy use may also be a reason to discuss the impact of climate on energy consumption, something that has been seen in the past, such as during extreme weather changes.
