Record-breaking winter warmth sweeps across Europe, shattering temperature records nationwide
Unprecedented Heatwave Sweeps Across Europe in January 2023
Europe is currently experiencing an unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures soaring well above historical averages in many locations. This unusual warmth during winter is linked to global warming driven by human-generated greenhouse gas emissions.
In Poland, the temperature in Warsaw reached 18.9°C (66°F) on January 1, a 4°C increase from the previous January record. This is just one example of the record-breaking winter temperatures that have been recorded across Europe.
The heatwave has also affected countries such as Spain, where the temperature in Bilbao reached 25.1°C, more than 10°C over the standard for this time of year. In fact, the temperature on New Year's Day in Bilbao was equivalent to the average temperature in July.
Several other European nations have also seen temperature records broken, including the Netherlands, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Latvia, Czech Republic, Poland, Denmark, and Belarus. The temperature recorded in Belarus on January 1 was 16.4°C, some 4.5°C above the previous record.
Station records were also set in Germany, France, and Ukraine. In Switzerland, temperatures reached 20°C. Local records have dropped in an additional three European countries.
The ski hotels in the Alps have been affected by the uncommon warm weather, with snow scarcity threatening the region with a damp winter. The snow scarcity is a concern as it could impact the winter tourism industry, which is a significant part of the economy in many Alpine countries.
While ongoing climate change underlies these events, meteorological variability and altered jet stream patterns were immediate contributors to the unprecedented January warmth. Heatwaves have become more frequent, more intense, and last longer due to human-induced climate change.
In the UK, every month but December was hotter than average. Problems are milder and wetter now in the UK, with water restrictions being implemented in parts of Catalonia, including Barcelona, due to the lack of rainfall.
Chillier temperatures and snow are anticipated in parts of Scandinavia, providing some relief to the unusual warmth that has been experienced across much of Europe. It is clear that the effects of climate change are being felt in Europe, with warming temperatures becoming more frequent and extreme.
References:
- EUROPE'S WARMING EXCEEDS TWICE THE GLOBAL AVERAGE
- HEATWAVES IN EUROPE: WHAT'S CAUSING THEM AND WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?
- EUROPE'S HOTTEST DECEMBER ON RECORD
- CLIMATE CHANGE IS MAKING HEATWAVES MORE FREQUENT AND INTENSE
- The unusual winter temperatures across Europe, such as the one in Warsaw reaching 18.9°C, are linked to the ongoing climate change driven by human-generated greenhouse gas emissions, a phenomenon that has been discussed in environmental science and climate-change studies.
- The heatwave sweeping Europe in January 2023, with temperatures in some places equivalent to July averages, is a stark example of how global warming is causing weather patterns to change, as detailed in news reports and scientific studies on climate change.
