Siberian cold or eastern beast: what is, temperature and how it is formed

Siberian cold is a meteorological phenomenon characterized by a extremely cold air wave that comes from Siberiaone of the coldest regions on the planet. This phenomenon occurs mainly during winter and It affects much of Europeincluding the eastern zone and, sometimes, the center and the south of the continent.

Cold air originates in Siberia, where temperatures can descend to extreme levels due to the combination of factors such as high atmospheric pressure, low incidence of sunlight and the presence of vast plains covered with snow. This frozen air moves to the west When the winds blow from Russia and other regions of Eastern Europe, dragging with it the icy temperatures.

The term “eastern beast” became popular in recent years to impact the severity of this phenomenon, which is usually accompanied by strong snowfall, intense frosts and a notable decrease in temperatures in areas that are not accustomed to such extreme conditions. This can cause interruptions in transport, damage to infrastructure and health risks, especially among the most vulnerable people.

Although the Siberian cold can generate impressive winter landscapes, it also tests communities and emergency systems. Therefore, when this phenomenon is forecast, it is important Take precautions and be prepared to face it.

Temperatures associated with Siberian cold are usually extremely low, especially in their Place of originwhere the thermometers can mark values ​​by below -50 ° C during the coldest months of winter. However, when moving to Europe, these masses of cold air slightly moderate their intensity, although they can still cause extreme temperatures compared to the usual averages of each region.

• Eastern Europe: Countries such as Russia, Ukraine and Poland can experience temperatures that range between -10 ° C and -25 ° C during these episodes.
• Central Europe: As the frozen air progresses towards the center and west of the continent, it reaches countries such as Germany, France, the United Kingdom or Spain, where temperatures are usually more temperate. In these areas, the Siberian cold can cause abrupt descents to nearby values ​​or even lower than -10 ° C, which is unusual and can cause serious impacts on a day -to -day basis.
• South Europe: Including Italy, Greece or northern Spain, this phenomenon can take low temperatures to regions where frosts are uncommon. Even in coastal or Mediterranean areas, where the weather is typically soft, minimum temperatures may be recorded close to 0 ° C or lower, accompanied by strong winds that accentuate the cold thermal sensation.

1. The key to this phenomenon is the Development of a Siberian anticyclonea high atmospheric system that sits on Siberia during the coldest months. This anticyclone is the result of the Extreme heat loss on the earth’s surface. In winter, the snow covered by Siberia acts as a reflector, returning most of the solar radiation to space, which causes constant cooling of the earth. This cooling creates a very dense and cold air that is trapped under the anticyclone.
2. Once this mass of cold air is established, wind patterns are responsible for distributing the cold to Europe. The Eastern or Northeast windsdriven by the Siberian anticyclone, drag this icy mass to the west. These winds are reinforced by the low pressures in Western Europe, which “attract” cold air as a continuous current.
3. Another important element in the formation of the east beast is Atmospheric block. This occurs when a high pressure system in the North Atlantic, known as Greenland anticyclone, blocks tempered air currents from the west. When this warm air is stopped, cold air masses from Siberia have a free way to move towards Europe without being displaced.
4. On its way to Europe, Siberian air It cools even more when passing through snow -covered regionslike the plains of Eastern Europe. The snow contributes to maintaining low temperatures because it reflects sunlight and prevents the ground from heating, which amplifies the cold.

The impact of the east beast goes far beyond a simple decrease in temperatures. When temperatures fall dramatically, alterations are produced on a day -to -day basis. The extreme cold combined with intense snowfall can cause:

• Road closures and public transport.
• Suspension of school and labor activities.
• Freezing of pipes.
• Electrical problems.
• Wear of buildings and roads.
• Hypothermia and freezing.
• Worsening of respiratory diseases.
• Cold blows In vulnerable communities.

It can also cause alterations in nature, agriculture and economics such as:

• Crop damage: Severe frosts can destroy crops sensitive to cold, such as fruits, vegetables and cereals, causing economic losses for farmers and increasing food prices. You may be interested in this article on how to protect frost plants and cold.
• Fauna impact: Wild animals face difficulties in finding food and refuge in extreme conditions. Many species may suffer an increase in mortality during these periods of intense cold.
• Increase in the cost of energy: Electricity and heating invoices are triggered due to the greatest demand, which is a challenge for many families and companies. Discover the best low consumption heaters.
• Losses in key sectors: Industries such as construction, transport and agriculture are usually the most affected by interruptions and damage caused by extreme cold.

Now that you know what the Siberian cold is, you may be interested in this post about black frost: what is, temperature and consequences.

If you want to read more articles similar to Siberian cold or eastern beast: what is, temperature and how it is formedwe recommend that you enter our category of meteorological phenomena.