Second warmest year on record observed in Germany during 2020.
2020: Germany's Warmest Year, Confirming Climate Change
Hey there! Let's dive into the radical transitions in Germany's weather patterns, focusing particularly on 2020—a year that left no doubts about climate change. So, buckle up, grab a brew, and let's unravel the toasty tale of the second hottest year on record!
According to the German Weather Service, also known as DWD, 2020 heated up the charts, trailing only 2018 in the race for the top spot as the warmest year in history. The years 2014 and 2019 took the silver and bronze medals, respectively. The DWD made it clear that 2020 "confirms the ongoing climate change," with an average annual temperature of 10.4°C, which is a scorching 2.2°C above the internationally recognized reference period of 1961 to 1990.
Interestingly, all months except May were warmer than usual. January, February, April, and August showed the highest positive temperature anomalies, exceeding 3°C. Although the lowest annual temperature of -15.0°C was recorded in Oberstdorf on December 27, the coldest nights occurred in the last decade of March. The first meteorological summer day was recorded on April 17 in the center and south of the country.
Between August 5 and 22, a hot and humid weather pattern established itself over Germany, with temperatures often surpassing the sizzling 35°C. Trier-Petrisberg noted the highest temperature at 38.6°C on August 9. The western half of the country also faced the wrath of a drought, with approximately 710 liters per square meter of rainfall, equating to about 90% of the target of 789 liters per square meter. Nine out of the last ten years have been unusually dry, with only 2017 resembling a wetter-than-normal year.
On the flip side, the Black Forest and the Alps faced the highest annual rainfall amounts, up to 2000 liters per square meter. Meanwhile, many parts of north-eastern Germany remained conspicuously dry, receiving less than 500 liters per square meter. Notable snowfall events were rare and primarily focused on the higher mountainous regions. The deepest snow cover of the year, away from peak elevations, was recorded in Zinnwald-Georgenfeld, Osterzgebirge, on February 5, with 37 cm.
So there you have it, folks! 2020 was a year of extreme weather events that clearly pointed to climate change. Let's ponder on the unpredictable twists and turns of Mother Nature and keep our fingers crossed for a cooler, wetter 2021!
Sources: 1. DWD Climate Database - Link 2. Climate change visualization - Link 3. DWD weather reports - Link
Other scientific data also suggests that the escalating climate-change phenomenon is reshaping the world's weather patterns. The trend was evident in the environmental-science findings regarding Germany's 2020 weather, where weather anomalies were prevalent, thermal records were broken, and dry spells were prolonged.
