Cold waves: what are causes and consequences

Cold waves are meteorological phenomena characterized by a abrupt decrease in temperatures for a prolonged period of time. These extremely cold climatic conditions usually affect large geographical areas, covering from local regions to whole continents.

During a cold wave, temperatures can descend drastically, reaching values ​​below the usual averages for the time of year in the affected region. In addition to low temperatures, cold waves are usually accompanied by other adverse weather phenomena, such as strong winds, snowfall and frost.

In addition to extremely low temperatures, cold waves usually present other distinctive characteristics that make them recognizable:

• Prolonged duration: Cold waves can persist for several days or even weeks, which increases their impact on people, nature and infrastructure.
• Variable intensity: The intensity can vary considerably, from moderate episodes with temperatures slightly below normal to extreme events with very low temperatures and adverse climatic conditions.
• Large geographical affectation: They reach vast geographical areas, affecting multiple regions and even whole countries.
• Sudden changes: They are usually characterized by abrupt weather changes, with rapid descents of temperature and unpredictable climatic conditions.

You may also be interested in reading this post about snow: what is, how it is formed and types.

The formation of a cold wave may be associated with various factors:

• One of the most common is the arrival of Cold air masses from polar or subpolar regions. These cold air masses can move due to various atmospheric phenomena, such as changes in atmospheric circulation or the presence of high pressure systems.
• He Pattern of Corrientes in Jeta fast air current in the upper atmosphere, can influence the direction and intensity of cold air flow. Variations in the position and strength of the jet can lead to the upset of cold air towards normally more temperate areas, thus contributing to the formation of cold waves.
• The Stationary high pressure systemsknown as atmospheric blockages, can hinder the normal movement of air masses, thus catching cold air in a particular region for a prolonged period.
• Another of the most common causes is Atmospheric instabilitywhich can be caused by a variety of factors, such as changes in water temperature or the presence of low pressure systems. This instability favors the formation of adverse climatic systems, including cold waves.
• The global climatic patternssuch as the boy and the girl, influence the distribution and intensity of temperatures in different regions of the world. These climatic phenomena can modify atmospheric circulation patterns and alter the position of stream currents, which in turn can affect the probability that cold waves occur in certain areas.

Some examples of more intense and recent cold waves are the following:

• Cold wave in the United States (2019): In January 2019, much of the United States experienced an extremely intense cold wave, known as the “Vortex Polar”. Temperatures of up to -40 ° C were recorded in some areas, which caused massive cancellations of flights, school closures and companies, and serious problems in the energy supply. In this article you will find more information about the polar vortex: what is, types and breakage.
• Cold wave in Europe (2012): In February 2012, Europe experienced a particularly severe cold wave, known as the “great European cold.” This cold wave affected much of the continent, from the United Kingdom to Eastern Europe. Temperatures descended sharply, reaching levels well below normal for the time of year.
• Cold wave in Russia (2010): In December 2010, Russia suffered an extremely severe cold wave, with temperatures that descended below -30 ° C in many areas.
• Cold wave in Central Asia (2008): In January 2008, Central Asia experienced a wave of intense and prolonged cold, which affected countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tayikistan.

Cold waves have a series of significant consequences, both in the short and long term, which affect various aspects of society, economy and the environment:

• Health impact: Low temperatures during a cold wave can increase the risk of hypothermia, freezing and other cold -related diseases.
• Infrastructure damage: When the cold wave is quite intense, it causes infrastructure damage, such as cracked roads due to frost, frozen pipes that cause ruptures and cuts in the water supply, and electrical cables damaged by the weight of snow or ice.
• Impact on agriculture: Agricultural crops, especially if late frosts occur or early, are affected.
• Interruption of transport and economic activity: Extreme climatic conditions during a cold wave hinders transport by road, rail and air, leading to flight cancellations, delays in public transport services and road closures.
• Increased energy demand: During a cold wave, the energy demand for heating increases considerably, which leads to overloads of electrical and gas networks.

Before a wave of severe cold, some fundamental aspects must be taken into account:

• Dress properly: Use warm and layers, which protects from cold and wind. It is recommended to use thermal garments, gloves, hats and scarves to cover the areas exposed to cold.
• Stay in warm environments: stay indoors as much as possible during a cold wave, especially during the coldest hours of the day and at night. Use heating safely and efficiently to maintain a comfortable temperature at home.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to cold: Limit the outdoor exposure time and seek refuge in warm places when necessary.
• Protect water pipes: Prevent the freezing of water pipes by adequate insulation and maintaining a slight drip of water in the taps to avoid the accumulation of ice.

Now that you know what the cold waves and their consequences are, do not miss this article about heat waves: what are, temperatures, causes and consequences.

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