Hlboká cesta in Bratislava (source: Ján Pallo)
Bratislava has been treated to its first significant snowfall of the season, surprising not only residents but also meteorologists. According to the meteorological portal imeteo.sk, the snowflakes were the result of moisture from freezing air and fog—precipitation types that radar systems struggle to detect.
Adding to the intrigue, it wasn’t just natural factors at play. The city’s industrial giant, Slovnaft refinery, also contributed to the wintry spectacle. “In large industrial zones, such as Slovnaft in Bratislava or U.S. Steel in Košice, warm water vapour is released into low clouds. This, combined with additional condensation nuclei, facilitates the formation of precipitation,” meteorologist Miroslav Šinger explained to TV Markíza.
A cold wind carried the snow over the city centre, leaving parts of Bratislava under a delicate white covering. However, not all districts are experiencing the same winter wonderland. Inversions—where lower altitudes are colder than higher ones—mean that snow is largely absent in some areas.
The snowfall has brought joy to residents in districts like Staré Mesto and Petržalka, where the streets have been transformed by the rare seasonal gift. For now, Bratislava is revelling in its unexpected taste of winter.
