Home / Environment / Europe Swelters: February Records Shattered by Heatwave
Europe Swelters: February Records Shattered by Heatwave
2 Mar
Summary
- February temperature records broken across northern Spain and SW France.
- Temperatures reached 29.6C in Saint Gladie, 16C above average.
- China faces heavy snowfall while Europe experiences unusual warmth.
February ended with unseasonable warmth across much of Europe, particularly impacting northern Spain and southwestern France, where numerous temperature records were broken. Cities within Nouvelle-Aquitaine and the Basque Country, including Bordeaux, Bilbao, and San Sebastián, recorded temperatures matching or surpassing their February highs.
Temperatures in Bilbao and San Sebastián reached 27.1C and 27.6C respectively on Wednesday, over 13C above the seasonal average. The peak warmth was observed on Tuesday in Saint Gladie, at the foot of the Pyrenees, with a temperature of 29.6C recorded, a significant 16C above average for this time of year.
This unusual heat in western Europe was driven by high pressure over central Europe, resulting in southerly winds. The Föhn effect further amplified temperatures in northern Spain and southwestern France as air descended warm and dry from mountain ranges. Despite a brief temperature dip expected over the weekend, forecasts indicate a return of unseasonably warm conditions across Europe this week, with temperatures widely in the teens and low 20s.
In stark contrast, northern China's Hebei province prepared for heavy snowfall, issuing a level 4 emergency response. Heavy snow and blizzard conditions, with accumulations of 10-20cm, were forecast for Sunday into Monday, potentially disrupting services. This snowfall was expected to move east, affecting South Korea on Monday and Tuesday, with mountain areas in Gangwon anticipating up to 40cm locally.
