Austria freezes: A severe cold wave hits, with temperatures plummeting to -25°C
Austria is currently experiencing unprecedented and severe weather conditions, as a polar cold wave has brought temperatures to record lows not seen in years. Weather stations in several towns in the Mühlviertel, Waldviertel, and Osvern districts of Tyrol and Upper Austria have recorded extremely low readings, reaching as low as -25 degrees Celsius, turning large areas of the country into frozen landscapes.
Official warnings and a state of alert for the weather service
This sharp drop prompted authorities to issue a state of alert, with a formal warning of severe cold weather affecting large areas. The Austrian Institute for Meteorology and Climatology (ZAMG) confirmed that recorded temperatures were significantly lower than the usual annual averages for this time of year. The institute warned that this cold snap would continue for the next few days, predicting harsh, frosty nights in several Austrian cities and regions, with temperatures remaining below freezing even during the day in most parts of the country.
Climate context and wave effects
Although Austria is an Alpine country accustomed to snow and cold weather, temperatures dropping to -25°C is an exceptional event requiring special measures. These cold snaps are typically caused by extremely cold polar air masses coming from the north or east, settling over Central Europe and leading to what is known as "deep freezing." This type of weather not only affects the movement of people but also impacts other vital sectors. Energy demand for heating increases significantly, and transportation and railway networks face operational challenges due to frozen tracks and roads, potentially causing delays in public and private transport.
Health risks and Red Cross warnings
Amid these conditions, an urgent cold warning was issued for the next 24 hours, covering the states of Vorarlberg, Tyrol, Salzburg, Carinthia, Styria, and Lower Austria. Simultaneously, Wolfgang Schreiber, chief physician of the Austrian Red Cross, urged citizens and residents not to underestimate the severe cold and its serious consequences for public health.
Schreiber emphasized the importance of avoiding outdoor activities as much as possible, staying warm, and drinking plenty of hot fluids to maintain body temperature. He also specifically warned of the effects of frostbite on the heart and circulatory system, noting that the body works harder to maintain its internal temperature in such conditions, posing a significant risk to the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. He urged everyone to take precautions and all necessary preventative measures.
