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A wave of Arctic air continues to grip large parts of Europe, bringing freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and severe disruptions to transport and daily life. Even Spain, known for its scorching summers, is shivering under sub-zero conditions.
Netherlands: Rail Network Brought to a Standstill
Train services across the Netherlands were almost completely halted on Tuesday due to a combination of harsh winter weather and a major technical failure. No trains ran anywhere in the country until 10 a.m. as frozen switches and a computer malfunction crippled the network. Services slowly resumed around midday, though delays and cancellations persisted.
Road traffic and operations at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport were also heavily affected. Around 350 flights were cancelled as snow and ice disrupted one of Europe’s busiest aviation hubs for the fifth consecutive day.
France Hit Hard by Snow and Ice
France is also struggling with the ongoing cold snap. Authorities reported five fatalities in weather-related traffic accidents. The country’s north and west were placed under the second-highest ice warning level on Tuesday, leading to widespread school bus cancellations.
Rail services were severely disrupted, particularly in western regions where several lines were completely shut down. High-speed TGV trains operated at reduced speeds due to icy tracks.
Six smaller airports in northern and western France were closed, though Paris airports remained operational. Public transport in the capital experienced partial disruptions throughout the morning.
Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot criticized the national weather service for underestimating snowfall amounts. Forecasts predicted around three centimeters, but up to eight centimeters fell in some areas — an unusually high amount for regions along the Atlantic coast.
United Kingdom: Schools Closed and Transport Frozen
In the United Kingdom, snow and freezing temperatures continued to cause problems. Hundreds of schools in Scotland remained closed, and Glasgow’s subway system was shut down in the morning after power rails iced over. Snow and ice warnings remained in place across much of the country, with meteorologists predicting heavier snowfall later in the week, especially in the south.
Nordic Countries Brace for Extreme Cold
Sweden reported new snowfall and temperatures plunging to minus 40 degrees in the north. In Denmark, emergency services urged residents in North Jutland to stay home on Wednesday as a snowstorm approached. Those who must travel were advised to carry a shovel in case their vehicles became buried.
Central Europe: Record Lows and Heating Failures
Switzerland saw temperatures drop to minus 14 degrees in lowland areas. La Brévine, often called the “Siberia of Switzerland,” recorded minus 30.3 degrees on Monday night. Even colder conditions were measured on the Alp Hintergräppelen in St. Gallen, where temperatures fell to minus 37.1 degrees.
In the Czech Republic, temperatures in the Bohemian Forest near the German border reached minus 25 degrees. Forecasters expect the entire country to remain below freezing for several days. In Prague, tens of thousands of residents temporarily lost heating and hot water due to a district heating pipeline failure.
Skiers, however, are celebrating: fresh snow has created ideal conditions on many slopes in the Czech mountain regions. In neighboring Poland, temperatures dropped to minus 20.1 degrees overnight.
Spain Shivers in Unusually Cold Conditions
Spain, more accustomed to heatwaves than frost, is experiencing widespread freezing temperatures. Many homes — often poorly insulated — have become uncomfortably cold. Snow fell in Madrid and even in higher areas of Mallorca. Several mountain roads in the Pyrenees and other regions were only passable with snow chains.
The national weather agency Aemet issued warnings for snow, cold, and strong winds across much of the country. Those seeking warmth must head to the Canary Islands, where daytime temperatures remain around 17 degrees.
Bulgaria: Springlike Warmth Before Sudden Freeze
In stark contrast, Bulgaria continues to experience unusually mild weather, with temperatures reaching up to 19 degrees in the southeast. Strong winds have caused some local disruptions, and meteorologists warn that a sharp drop in temperatures and heavy snowfall is expected on Thursday.
- Hector Pascua with reports from kurier.at/wetter.at/picture: pixabay.com
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