What is a cold snap?

Do we know what a cold snap really is? Now, when practically all of Spain is experiencing winter weather conditions, it is interesting to know what this phenomenon is and how it originates. In this sense, it is also important to understand how the polar vortex to the climatic conditions in our country.

What is it?

A cold snap is a phenomenon by which the air temperature drops dramatically as a result of the invasion of a cold air massThis situation lasts for more than a day and can extend over hundreds or thousands of square kilometers. In this context, it is useful to consider how the clear night, especially when very low temperatures occur.

There are different types?

Yes, there are two types:

Polar air masses (polar wave, or polar cold wave): They form between 55 and 70 degrees above sea level. Depending on where they are heading, they will experience certain changes. For example, if they move toward areas with warmer temperatures, they will warm up and, in doing so, become unstable, favoring the formation of storm-type precipitation clouds. However, if they head toward the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the air will become saturated with moisture, and upon contact with cool waters, fog banks or weak precipitation clouds will form.
Arctic and Antarctic or Siberian air masses: they originate in areas near the poles. They are characterized by their low temperatures, high stability, and low moisture content, which is why cloudiness is scarce. They do not usually produce heavy snowfalls unless they pass over the Atlantic Ocean, since in doing so they become unstable.

When is a cold wave considered to affect Spain?

In Spain the following thresholds have been established:

The temperature must drop 6ºC at least in 24 hours. Depending on the area, the minimum temperature should be one or the other:

On the coast of the peninsula, the Balearic Islands, Ceuta and Melilla the minimum temperature must reach a threshold of 0ºC.
In areas whose altitude is between sea level and 200 meters, the minimum temperature must reach a threshold between 0 and -5ºC.
In areas whose altitude is between 200 and 800 meters, the minimum temperature must reach a threshold between -5 and -10ºC.
In areas whose altitude is between 800 and 1200 meters, the minimum temperature must reach a threshold lower than -10ºC.

No thresholds have been established for higher altitudes, as the population is assumed to be accustomed to them, or these are unpopulated areas. This phenomenon may be related to the influence of temperatures, a critical aspect for understanding the phenomenon.

Protection measures

To avoid problems, It is very important to protect yourself from the cold by wearing thermal clothing, if possiblePutting on pants, a sweater and a jacket will suffice rather than putting on many pieces of clothing, which may be uncomfortable. Likewise, it is essential to protect the neck and hands, since otherwise we could end up with colds in less time than we think. If we are sick, we must go to the doctor and avoid going outside until we get better.

In case you have to take the car, You should check the weather forecast and find out about the possible use of chains., especially if you have to travel through or go to areas where it has snowed. In extreme cold, it can be helpful to know the effects of .