Rome, January 9 – The Italian capital has been gripped by an unusual cold spell, with temperatures plummeting below zero and snow gracing the mountains of Lazio and Abruzzo. This arctic front arrives after several days of heavy rainfall, which resulted in millions of euros in damages and disruptions across the region.
Rome in a ‘Freezer’: Unprecedented Cold Snap
The city, typically accustomed to milder winter conditions, experienced a sharp drop in temperatures, described by Lorenzo Tedici of iLMeteo.it as an unprecedented cold snap. “Icy awakenings in Italy, as has not happened for almost 10 years; the whole country seems to be inside a freezer,” Tedici remarked, highlighting the severity of the cold.
The meteorologist further elaborated on the unstable weather forecast: “We will experience four days full of surprises – from the arctic cold of Thursday to the rapid warming on Friday, then furious winds over the weekend and torrential rains on Saturday in the Lower Tyrrhenian, without even missing a good improvement on Sunday.”
Starting from Friday, January 9, temperatures are expected to return closer to seasonal averages. However, a powerful Maestrale wind is predicted to blow strongly throughout the weekend, intensifying the sensation of cold despite the slight temperature increase.
Social Media Buzz: Icy Roads and Snow Flurries
The sudden drop in temperature quickly became a trending topic on social media. Around 10:00 AM on Thursday, light snowfall was reported in Villa Ada, adding to the unusual winter scenery.
On the Facebook group “Those who want snow in Rome,” early morning comments reflected the widespread chill: “Very cold awakening in the Capital and hinterland, values reaching +0/1 in the Center, several districts near the Raccordo with -1/0 in the northern and eastern hinterland, values of -2/-4 degrees.” Simona, a user, commented, “All the roads are icy.”
Meteo Lazio’s Facebook page issued a warning: “Due to the heavy rain in recent days and high humidity levels, widespread and long-lasting frosts are highly probable in almost all of Lazio, including Rome. The humidity combined with puddles and water accumulations and the noticeable temperature drop will create conditions for extensive ice sheets on every surface. Maximum attention is therefore recommended both when driving and walking. The frosts will be significant.”
Castelli Romani Covered in Ice and Snow
The cold front also brought ice and snow to the Castelli Romani area. Residents shared their experiences, with one post on the “Meteo Roma e Castelli” group stating, “It hasn’t frozen like this in Genzano for years,” accompanied by a video showcasing icy streets. Another report mentioned, “Yesterday a sprinkling of snow also reached Guadagnolo.”
Previous Weather-Related Incidents
This cold snap follows a period of intense rainfall that has already caused considerable damage in Rome and the surrounding areas. Recent reports highlighted:
- Millions in damages from heavy rains, leading to potholes, fallen trees, and flooded schools.
- The classical high school Albertelli in Rome was flooded, forcing the cancellation of classes.
- The Aniene river’s peak passed, leading to the reopening of Via Tiburtina, though work continued in secondary streets to assess damages.
- Pine trees collapsed in Rome, with Councillor Alfonsi stating that even healthy trees were at risk.
- A red alert for the Aniene river prompted evacuations and the closure of Via Tiburtina, with calls for residents to stay home.
The current freezing conditions add another layer of complexity to the city’s recovery efforts, as authorities and residents brace for further challenges posed by the unstable winter weather.
