Lowest temperature of 2013 in Romania recorded, snow depth reaches 180cm - high avalanche risk

The lowest temperature of 2013 so far was recorded in Romania, at Dumbraveni in Sibiu county. Meteorologists recorded a minus 23.6ºC temperature on Tuesday morning (January 8 ), three degrees less than at the Ice hotel near Balea lake, which is at 2,000 meters altitude, according to Agerpres, quoting a regional meteorology center. Another record was also recorded, this time concerning the layer of snow. The thickest layer of snow, of 180 centimeters, was found at Balea lake, also in Sibiu county. This places the Balea lake area in a high risk of an avalanche, ranking four on a scale from one to five, five being the highest risk. Tourists are asked to avoid winter sports in the area and stay in touch with the mountain rescuers. The lowest temperature in 2012 was of minus 31ºC mid-December at Intorsura Buzaului, in Covasna county. The absolute minimum ever recorded in Romania was of minus 38.5ºC at Bod, in Brasov county, on January 25, 1942. At the other end of the scale, summer also brings record highs in Romania, with the absolute maximum at 44.5ºC in 1951. The summer temperatures in recent years have often exceeded 40ºC in Romania. editor@romania-insider.com (photo source: sxc.hu)