Europe has seen “extreme” winter weather in recent times, experts say, with 2023 already posting record temperatures for January in the region.
As temperatures rise globally due to human-caused climate change, scientists say heat waves and warmer-than-average weather are becoming more common throughout the year.
After a scorching summer and drought unprecedented in centuries, a wave of warm weather across Europe this winter has melted snow from ski slopes in the Alps and Pyrenees, and seen temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) although normally- the central region is frozen.
Several European countries experienced record-breaking heat on New Year’s Day and New Year, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Hundreds of weather stations across Europe have recorded their highest daily temperatures in December or January, they said this week.
Freja Vamborg, Senior Scientist at Europe’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), said the current winter heat wave was an “extreme” heat event in Europe in terms of how much temperatures had deviated from what was expected this year.
Here Vamborg answers some important questions about heat waves:
What causes this high temperature?
“On January 1 there is a strong air flow from the southwest across the affected area, which will bring warmer air to the north and penetrate exceptionally to the east, as far as Belarus. The minimal snow cover may be another factor which is relevant.
“The circulation of weather conditions and climate change are not two independent things. Climate change itself also affects the circulation, and will also cause the warming of moving air masses. This makes it very difficult to exclude only weather events, from the level of change -climate change that caused this to happen.
How is the climate changing?
“With increasing global temperatures, heat waves and warm spells are becoming more frequent and intense – these are not limited to the summer months.”
“While the warming trend in Europe is on average stronger in warmer seasons, winters are also becoming warmer due to global temperatures.”
“Northern Europe has warmed more strongly in winter than in summer, while in the south the warming trend is more visible in summer.”
What are the effects of these high winter temperatures?
“Several things can be said for warm temperatures in winter. While it means less need for home heating and other infrastructure, low snow cover affects the winter tourism industry.
“Possible impacts on natural ecosystems, including an early return from hibernation, which may have a negative impact if continued with less mild/freezing conditions.”
“The overall impact will vary depending on the longevity and intensity of the event.”