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Alicante province has been experiencing sub-zero temperatures over the last few days, and the cold snap is forecast to continue over the weekend, although conditions are expected to be milder.

 

Thermometers have plummeted in the Alto Vinalopó and Alacant areas of the province, with temperatures dropping to -7.5ºC in Xixona and -6.5ºC in Villena.

 

Much of the province woke up to frost on Friday morning, January 28, though skies are expected to be clear with a slight rise in maximum temperatures as the day progresses.

 

The reason for the widespread and continuous frost, conditions which have not been exprienced in 10 years, is simple, according to meteorologist Lluís Francés: "The combination of cold air in low layers and maritime winds meant that cloudiness was predominant from last Saturday until Thursday of this week, creating a thermal mattress."

 

"Farmers are well aware of this meteorological law that states that with cloudy skies it is much less likely to freeze, especially with low clouds, although other factors such as wind also play a role," he added.

 

Looking ahead to the weekend, minimum temperatures will be cold in general, with frost inland, more clear skies than clouds and maximum temperatures later in the day.

 

On Monday, a rise in temperatures is expected, according to the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) and everything points to high pressure remaining over the Peninsula for the rest of the week.

 

February, "the crazy month", begins with a dry atmosphere and temperatures with positive anomalies for the time of year.

 

"In principle and with little dispersion until the middle of next week, very stable weather is on the horizon. We are hopeful that the anticyclone will stop affecting us from Thursday onwards and the Atlantic squalls will move in," according to Lluís Francés.

 

Image: Archive