Extreme weather in Banat: heavy snow storm, intense cold wave and its associated risk

phenomena. Study case: Bega River in Timisoara between 28.12.2014-10.01.2015

Mihaela SOROCEAC
CARPATAIR S.A
mihaela.soroceac@gmail.com
Timioara, 15-17 May 2015

Abstract
After a very warm middle of December (such high positive temperature were recorded 25
years ago, in December 1989) the end of the year brought an extreme weather, even for this
period of time: heavy snow storm (a quick and intense snow shower covered all the Banat
region in a few hours) followed shortly by a cold wave with very low temperature sustained by
a very stable air mass. The air was frozen for several days and the frozen nights and days
transformed Bega Channel in an iced river for almost a week (this is very rare phenomena for
this region). The study case takes in consideration a period of two weeks and studies the
evolution of temperature, snow layer and ice depth on Bega River and the associated risk
phenomena upon environment and society.
I. Introduction

A short analysis of temperature on 2 m level on a period of 50 years (1960-2015) in the month

of December, taking in consideration data provided by ECMWFT (European Centre for
Meteorological Weather Forecast on Medium Time) reveals that in the last 50 years there is a
strong anomaly on temperature trend. As shown on the graph presented in the left
side(Fig.1), there is a constant increasing on temperature level (on 2 meter level) - starting
around 1978-1979.This fact could explain the extreme phenomena that occurred last
December in Banat, especially in Timisoara City. There were two episodes, one extremely hot
for December, and one very cold.
II. Warm period by the end of December 2014
By
the
end
of
December
2014,
temperature
level
recorded
values
higher than
20C,
values that left the
senzation that there
was
like
Easter
during Christmas.

Fig. 1 Air Temperature trend during december. 2 meter temperature anomaly

1960-2015 (data source ECMWFT, 2015)

III. Cold wave January 2015

After that unusual episode with spring temperatures in December,
very fast, starting with 01.01.2015 the weather changed on another
extremity, and an intense snow storm covered central and south east
Europe with heavy snow, intense wind and freezing
temperatures.There were many problems for traffic and population.
The synoptic map (fig. 5) revealed that on the periphery of the
Scandinavian Anticyclone, the intersection of cold and warm air
above central Europe generated a cold front. This caused heavy
snow shower over important and populated European regions.

A massive tropical air

masse covered south
and
south
east
Europe and
for a
period of 3 days the
temperature recorded
values similar with
values of May.
Fig. 2 Synoptic map for
24.12.2014
(www.wetterzentrale.de)

The synoptic map reveals that the advection of a huge tropical mass, with continental origins,
very stable and with large dimensions covered for more than 4 days the south of Europe and
produced an important increase of air temperature on 2 meter level. During 27.12.2014 in
Timisoara were recorded 21C (25 years ago, such values recorded in Timisoara during 1989
Revolution helped the fight against communist regime). In December 2014 everybody was
confused, normally during Christmas there are negative temperature, or close to 0C. This was
abnormal, even for Banat, that has a moderate climate during winter. But, as sudden this
athmospheric conditions appeared, as sudden the winter came back, without any warnings,
snow storm and extreme cold were recorded in only a couple of days.

Fig. 3 Synoptic situation on 29.12.2014 (www.wetterzentrale.de)

In a very short period of time, the atmospheric situation changed.

The Scandinavian Anticyclone dorsal produced an important
change in temperature evolution. Freezing and extreme cold
covered Central and South East Europe. The cold air masse, with
continental origin was very stable, with large extension on altitude
and covered a large, already cold surface in North of Europe and
the air temperature dropped till -25 C. In Romania and Banat
during 30-31.12.2014 the index for cooling temperature pointed
very low values for entire region. Warnings and alerts were emitted
and population was counseled to stay indoor, there was an intense
risk for frostbites and frost, especially during night.

IV. Bega River an iced Channel in Timisoara

The intensity of cold and the prolonged period of extreme
cold during night and day had visible effects upon nature.
Everything was frozen, even Bega Channel. This is a rare
phenomena in Timisoara. Last episode of ice formation on
Bega River were recorded by water experts from Banat
River Basin Administration in January 1995. During
January 2015, Bega was an ice Bridge for more than 5
days, the cold air supported the ice formation, and day by
day the ice layer became much thicker. No one was
affected.
Fig. 4,5,6,7 Bega River the ice bridge between 04.01-09.01.2015 (Foto Soroceac, 2015)

V. Conclusions
Banat Region has a moderate climate, and in Timisoara especially during winter you can feel the presence of Mediterranean
influence (rainy winter with moderate temperature regime). Such extreme phenomena like those recorded events are abnormal
for this region and with a strong and intense effects upon nature and society. In only 5 days temperature level oscillated
between +21 C and -25 C. Such an amplitude is specific for Sahara, not for Banat and Bega Rver completely frozen is a
situation recorded rarely in Timisoara (last case, but with shorter duration was in 1995).