Cold Snap Grips Germany: Anklam Records Lowest Temperature in Years
On a frigid winter morning, the German town of Anklam, in the Vorpommern-Greifswald district, shivered under a bone-chilling temperature of minus 20.7 degrees Celsius. This plummeting mercury marked the lowest daily temperature recorded in Germany, according to a spokesperson from the German Weather Service (DWD).
The sub-zero conditions were measured shortly after 6:00 AM, not at the standard height of two meters above the ground, but closer to the frosty earth. This lower vantage point typically yields lower temperature readings. Additionally, the measurement was taken over a blanket of snow, further exacerbating the cold.
"The cold front from the south and the clear night sky contributed to this record-breaking cold," explained the DWD spokesperson. "Such frigid temperatures have become increasingly rare in recent years."
While the official DWD record stands at minus 20.7 degrees Celsius, it’s possible that private weather stations may have captured even lower temperatures. The DWD holds the record for the coldest temperature ever measured in Germany, an astonishing minus 37.8 degrees Celsius, recorded in Wolznach, Upper Bavaria, on February 12, 1929.
The cold snap has sent a shiver down the spine of Germany, reminding the nation of the harsh winters of the past. While the extreme cold may be a nuisance for some, it also offers a glimpse into the unforgiving nature of winter and the resilience of those who live through it.
Additional Details and Context:
- The temperature inversion, where warmer air is trapped above colder air near the ground, contributed to the unusually low temperatures in Anklam.
- The lack of cloud cover allowed heat to escape more easily, exacerbating the cold.
- Snow acts as an insulator, preventing the ground from absorbing heat during the day and releasing it at night.
- The wind from the south, while typically milder, had traveled over a frozen landscape, picking up additional cold.
- The cold weather is expected to persist for several more days, with temperatures remaining below freezing in many parts of Germany.
The DWD advises people to take precautions against the cold, including wearing warm clothing, covering exposed skin, and avoiding prolonged exposure to the elements. It’s also important to check on vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly or those with compromised immune systems.
