Lithuania Braces for Prolonged Arctic Blast, Temperatures Plummet to -30°C
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A severe cold snap has gripped Lithuania, with temperatures plunging to as low as -30.1°C (-22.2°F) in Šeduva this morning, according to reports from national weather services. Residents are preparing for several nights of sub-zero conditions, with the potential for even colder temperatures on the horizon.
Record-Breaking Cold, But Not Unprecedented
The current freeze is the coldest Lithuania has experienced in approximately 14 years, since temperatures reached -30.4°C (-22.7°F) in Akmenė on February 6, 2012. However, meteorological experts emphasize that while exceptionally cold, these temperatures do not represent all-time records. “The lowest temperature is usually recorded at sunrise, so it could change a little,” a senior official stated to LRT radio on Saturday morning. Historical data reveals that Utena experienced a frigid -38.9°C (-38.0°F) on January 31, 1956 – a stark reminder of Lithuania’s vulnerability to extreme winter weather.
Šeduva Experiences Deep Freeze, Speigas Reported
The town of Šeduva, in the Radviliškis district, is currently at the epicenter of the cold wave. Speigas, or black ice, has been reported at one meteorological station, adding to the hazardous conditions. Preliminary data indicates a temperature of -30.1°C was recorded in Šeduva before sunrise. Earlier in the week, temperatures in northern regions had already dropped to between -26°C and -29°C (-15.8°F to -20.2°F).
Anticylcone Dominates, Clear Skies Prevail
Lithuania is currently under the influence of an anticyclone, a high-pressure system that typically brings stable, cold weather. Atmospheric pressure is expected to rise in the southern part of the country. The forecast calls for mostly clear skies throughout the day, with only a slight chance of cloud cover in the north – but no snowfall is anticipated.
A moderate east to northeast wind will be present, strongest in the western regions. Despite the frigid overnight temperatures, the highest daytime temperature is forecast to range between -13°C and -18°C (8.6°F to -0.4°F), with slightly milder temperatures of -10°C to -12°C (14°F to 10.4°F) in the southwestern areas.
Colder Nights Ahead
The coming days promise little respite from the cold. Meteorological services warn that the next two nights will be even colder than the last, urging residents to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property.
