Extreme Cold in Spain Leaves 218 Dead in Week

Spain is experiencing one of its most lethal cold waves in recent years, with at least 218 deaths reported during the first week of January due to extreme low temperatures, according to official data. 

This ranks as the third deadliest cold-related week in the country over the past decade.

Authorities and health experts note that December and January are historically the months with the highest winter mortality, driven by several factors: sharp drops in temperature, the spread of respiratory illnesses, and the indirect effects of severe cold on vulnerable populations such as the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, and those living in inadequate housing conditions.

Extreme cold can worsen heart and lung diseases, increase the risk of severe infections, and contribute to accidents linked to ice and harsh weather, Spanish health authorities said.

The surge in deaths is compounded by the pressure on healthcare systems during the holiday period, which can exacerbate the effects of cold weather. 

Experts also warn that while cold-related fatalities often receive less public attention than heatwaves, climate change could reshape the risk map in Europe. 

Rising temperatures may eventually lead to cold- and heat-related deaths occurring at comparable rates.

In response, Spanish authorities are urging stronger preventive measures, including improving heating systems in homes, increasing public health awareness campaigns, and ensuring protection for those most at risk amid increasingly erratic winter conditions.