This year’s winter in Europe started rather slowly. For a long time we enjoyed high temperatures and then the frosts hit. Frosts that allowed children and adults alike to return to frozen bodies of water. While the athletes are happy about the frost, the drivers are less so.

Trouble on the road

Anyone embarking on a journey has to take frost into account. Whether by public transport, on foot or in your own car. In recent days, the weather has often made travelling difficult. Drivers have to contend with frozen windows and sometimes even the entire car. And, of course, more caution is needed on the roads. Pedestrians need to beware of icy pavements.

Czech Republic as the coldest region

It is clear that the coldest place in Europe is Scandinavia, where they face frosts of around -40 degrees Celsius. At the beginning of the year there were also huge frosts in the Czech Republic. It was the coldest region in central Europe. People faced temperatures 15 degrees Celsius below the long-term normal. In some places, temperatures reached -27 degrees.

━━ ( Source: Aaron Burden /  Unsplash+ )

More severe frosts

Frosts at the beginning of the year also crippled Poland. It is now bracing itself for another wave of frosts. Overnight temperatures could reportedly drop as low as -30 degrees Celsius. The frosts are expected to make their way in the second half of this week. While the week started with temperatures above freezing, it will end with really cold weather.

The frosts will last for a few days and will gradually intensify. The worst frosts should then arrive in Poland in the first half of next week. How cold it gets will depend on how cloudy the skies are. If it is clear, the frost will be stronger.

Prepare for frosts

Severe frosts can be dangerous. They can cause frostbite and can be life-threatening. So you need to be cautious. Infants and the elderly are most at risk. In extreme cold, it is better to skip a stroller walk or shorten it to a few dozen minutes. The elderly should also stay at home in freezing weather.

Other groups of people can of course go outdoors, but should dress well. Layering clothing is ideal. Warm socks and good quality shoes are most important . Don’t forget gloves and a hat or other head covering. Replenish fluids as well and go home to warm up if necessary.

Frostbite is no joke

Frostbite is tissue damage caused by cold. Severe frostbite can cause frostbite in as little as half an hour. Frostbite means loss of sensation. If symptoms appear, seek medical attention immediately. If not available, you need to warm frostbite slowly and start ideally inside the body.

It is a good idea to use your own body heat or wrap the sufferer in a warm blanket. He should, of course, not be wearing anything wet. It is also advisable to cover the head and neck. Definitely do not serve alcohol to anyone with frostbite. However, hot drinks are not suitable either. The first meal should be warm broth.