Madrid, the capital city of Spain, is known for its warm and sunny weather. The city is famous for its art, culture, and food. However, in recent years, Madrid has been experiencing some unusual weather patterns.
The most recent being snowfall in the city which caused much chaos and excitement among locals and tourists alike. But is it normal for Madrid to get snow? Let’s explore.
Geography of Madrid
Madrid is located in the center of Spain and sits on a high plateau called the Meseta. It has an altitude of 667 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest capital cities in Europe. Due to its location on the plateau, Madrid experiences a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters.
Climate of Madrid
Madrid’s climate can be described as dry subtropical with Mediterranean influences. The city receives about 2,769 hours of sunshine per year with an average annual temperature of 14°C (57°F). Summers are hot and dry with temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F) while winters are cold with temperatures dropping down to -10°C (14°F).
Snowfall in Madrid
Snowfall in Madrid is a rare occurrence. In fact, it has only snowed about 5 times in the last century. The last time it snowed was in February 2018 when the city experienced heavy snowfall causing travel disruptions and school closures.
Why did it snow in Madrid?
The most recent snowfall in Madrid happened on January 9th, 2021. The unexpected weather phenomenon was due to a storm named Filomena that hit several regions across Spain bringing strong winds and low temperatures. The storm caused significant disruptions across transport networks leading to flight cancellations and road closures.
The Impacts of Snowfall in Madrid
Although the snowfall brought excitement to the city, it also caused much chaos and disruption. Many businesses had to close down, and public transport was severely affected.
Flights were canceled or delayed, and thousands of people were stranded at the airport. The city’s emergency services were overwhelmed with calls for assistance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, snowfall is not normal in Madrid. The city’s climate is typically dry subtropical with Mediterranean influences.
However, unexpected weather patterns can occur due to various factors such as climate change and storms like Filomena. While snowfall brings excitement to the city, it also causes significant disruptions that can negatively impact its residents and visitors. It is essential for everyone to prepare adequately for such events to minimize their impact.