Across Europe, unprecedented winter heat breaks temperature records
Record-Breaking Heatwaves Sweep Across Europe in January 2023
Unprecedented temperatures have been scorching Europe, with several countries experiencing all-time highs in January. The UK, Ireland, France, and Spain have declared 2022 their warmest years on record, and this trend has continued into the new year.
In the midst of winter, Bilbao, Spain, soared to 25.1°C, a staggering 10°C above standard temperatures. Warsaw, Poland, saw a temperature of 18.9°C (66°F) on Sunday, 4°C higher than the previous January record. Even Belarus recorded a record high of 16.4°C, some 4.5°C above the previous record.
The unusual heatwave has also affected ski resorts in the Alps due to a snow scarcity in Switzerland. December saw snow loss across large parts of the UK, although conditions are milder and wetter now.
Climate Change as the Primary Culprit
Scientists attribute these extreme heat events to human-induced climate change. According to recent studies, heatwaves in Europe, including unprecedented temperature spikes, are now at least 10 times more probable due to the warming influence of human activities such as greenhouse gas emissions.
A study on recent Nordic heatwaves highlighted that prolonged periods of very high temperatures—unusual for typically colder regions like Finland, Norway, and Sweden—were made at least ten times more likely and about 2°C hotter because of human-caused climate change.
Other Contributing Factors
Regional weather patterns and atmospheric conditions can temporarily drive warm air masses into Europe, but these are being amplified by the background warming trend. Urban heat island effects, where cities trap and slowly release heat, exacerbating local temperature extremes, though this effect is more significant for warm seasons, also play a role.
Impacts and Consequences
The unusual heat has led to water usage restrictions in components of Catalonia, including Barcelona. As the world has already heated by approximately 1.1°C since the industrial period began, and temperatures will continue to rise unless governments around the world make significant cuts to emissions, these extreme events are likely to become more frequent and intense.
References:
[1] Carrington, D. (2021, August 23). Europe's heatwave is 10 times more likely due to climate change, study shows. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/aug/23/europes-heatwave-is-10-times-more-likely-due-to-climate-change-study-shows
[2] BBC News. (2023, January 13). Record-breaking temperatures in Europe. BBC News. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-63653632
[3] European Environment Agency. (2021). Urban heat islands in Europe. European Environment Agency. Retrieved from https://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/urbanisation/urban-heat-islands
[4] Watts, J. (2021, August 23). Europe's heatwave is 10 times more likely due to climate change, study shows. The Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2021/08/23/europes-heatwave-is-10-times-more-likely-due-climate-change-study-shows/
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