Andorra Endures Coldest January in 9 Years with Extreme Snow and Wind

January marked Andorra's coldest month in nine years, with an average temperature of 2.5°C and frost on 18 days, according to data released Wednesday by Acció Climàtica. The period was also exceptionally wet, featuring continuous and heavy snowfall across all elevations, strong winds, and precipitation on two out of every three days.

The last comparable cold spell occurred in 2017. Maximum temperatures this January fell 1.6°C below the climatic average, kept low by repeated weather disturbances including Goretti, Harry, Chandra, and Kristin. The highest reading reached 13°C on January 8 at Roc de Sant Pere (1,105m), while the lowest plunged to -17.8°C on January 7 at Fonts d’Arinsal.

Precipitation totals exceeded twice the monthly norm, accumulating 136.1mm at FEDA's Central hydroelectric station and around 125mm on average across monitoring sites. Although similar volumes fell in 2020, that year was warmer and produced less snow. Heavy snow throughout the month, combined with gale-force winds, created wind slabs and drove avalanche risks to high levels—3 to 4 on the scale.

Notable snow events included January 9, with intense falls in the north; January 17 and 27, when over 20mm accumulated in 24 hours at multiple stations across the country. The strongest gusts hit 144 km/h at Fonts d’Arinsal and 138 km/h at Tosa dels Espiolets in Soldeu, both on January 10.