Winter in Serbia: Climate, Temperature, and Air Quality
Features of the Serbian Winter: Subjective Feelings
Winter in Serbia is a time when work on the land and in construction slows down, giving way to a more peaceful rhythm of life. Based on the experience of a fourth winter in the country, it's possible to get a full picture of its pros and cons.
The climate here has its own characteristics that are important to consider. Although the winter is not as prolonged as in Eastern European countries, it is still present and brings with it certain challenges and experiences.
Temperature Range: From Numbers to Feelings
The temperature in winter in Serbia rarely drops significantly below zero. At an altitude of 146 meters above sea level, the lowest recorded temperature in recent years was -12°C. However, in the mountains south of Belgrade, the thermometer can drop to -22°C.
It's important to distinguish between the temperature in degrees Celsius and the subjective, real-feel temperature. Due to high humidity, the cold feels much more intense. For example, a temperature of -4°C feels very chilly and unpleasant, forcing you to wear several layers of clothing, including an undershirt and a t-shirt.
Even at temperatures around 0°C or +2°C, it already feels noticeably chilly outside, which is directly related to the humid air.
The Heating Season and Air Quality
The heating season, which begins around November, directly impacts one of the main problems of winter in Serbia—poor air quality. The main cause of pollution is the widespread use of coal for heating homes.
- It is a cheap type of fuel.
- Coal smolders for a long time and retains heat well, unlike firewood, which burns quickly.
- It does not require complex preparation, such as chopping or stacking.
Due to high humidity and frequent fogs, the smoke and soot from burning coal do not rise high but instead settle in low-lying areas, creating smog. Air quality strongly depends on location: on hills and elevated areas, where the building density is lower, the air is significantly cleaner than in lowlands and cities. This problem is so serious that some people decide to leave the country specifically because of the poor air quality.
Fogs and Lack of Stable Snow Cover
High humidity during the winter period is the cause of frequent and prolonged fogs. Sometimes foggy weather can last for weeks, and the sun hardly appears, which is atypical for Southern Europe. This contrasts with previous years when the weather in February could be warm enough to wear shorts.
Another characteristic feature of winter in the flat part of Serbia is the almost complete absence of a stable snow cover. Snow at an altitude of about 146 meters above sea level hardly ever settles. Even if it does fall, it usually melts within a few hours or days, turning into slush and puddles. This can be a disappointment for fans of winter sports, such as skiing.
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