The MeteoMuntanya portal (meteomuntanya.cat) will incorporate blizzard prediction into its twice-weekly forecast this winter. This new functionality will provide users with specific information on this extreme meteorological phenomenon, characteristic of high mountains and capable of posing risks to those engaging in activities there.
"The blizzard phenomenon is one of the most extreme and dangerous situations that occur in high mountains. Although infrequent, its high impact and historical accident rate with victims necessitate its individual highlighting as a meteorological hazard in the MeteoMuntanya catalogue and its operational prediction for safer planning of winter activities," explains Pere Esteban, coordinator of the initiative and technician at Meteocat.
The novelty was announced by the director of the Meteorological Service of Catalonia (SMC), Sarai Sarroca, during the celebration of MeteoMuntanya's tenth anniversary, held as part of the Vic Mountain Fair. "Incorporating blizzard prediction is a significant improvement in the specific meteorological information for high mountains that we offer to the public. It is a particularly dangerous phenomenon that can drastically reduce visibility and create high-risk situations for people practicing mountain activities," Sarroca highlighted.
The president of the FEEC, Jordi Merino i Urbano, emphasized the importance of this detailed mountain forecast for the country's mountaineering community, noting the collaboration with the Meteorological Service of Catalonia to provide a reliable service.
The MeteoMuntanya initiative celebrates ten years as a specialized meteorological consultation tool for mountain activities. Over the past decade, the portal has become a reference resource for weather conditions in Catalonia's mountain ranges.
