Storm Filomena across Spain disrupts on-going vegetable harvest and increases the prices

Spain is one of the largest vegetable producing regions in the EU and specializes in the production of lettuces, courgettes, cabbages, peppers, tomatoes, and artichokes. Most of the vegetable production is concentrated in Murcia which is in south-eastern Spain. During the winter months, the region supplies 80% of Europe's fresh produce. However, this year the region witnessed a sudden cold snap followed by a storm in which snow blanketed the entire country. This has impacted the on-going harvesting of vegetables resulting in a tight supply in the market followed by inflated prices.

Storm Filomena blankets Spain's Murcia region in snow

The heavy rain, snow, and strong winds created widespread travel disruptions and localized flooding in different parts of the country. A new record low temperature in Spain was recorded on the morning of 7th January 2021 when the thermometer dropped to - 35.6 degrees Celsius in different regions of northern Spain. Travel conditions began to deteriorate across different parts of Spain after the storm as snow and ice accumulated. Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMet) stated that this is the largest snowfall since 1971 in the region.