Climate Change Could Lead to More Snow at Altitude - PlanetSKI

9 days ago

30th September 2024

After significant September snow in the eastern Alps and heavy rainfall lower down in central Europe scientists say such incidents are likely to be more frequent. NEW

Snow - Figure 1
Photo PlanetSKI.eu

Europe is the fastest-warming continent on Earth.

The last five years were on average around 2.3C warmer than the second half of the 19th Century, according to the Copernicus climate service.

This not only brings much more frequent and intense heatwaves, but also more extreme rainfall, particularly over north and central Europe.

The picture is more complicated in southern Europe, due to shifts in large-scale weather patterns.

The floods in central Europe earlier in September led to unprecedented amounts of autum snow at altitude in the Alps.

Snow - Figure 2
Photo PlanetSKI.eu

Over 2m was recorded in parts of the eastern Alps in Austria:

Huge amounts of autumn snow falling in the AlpsAustrian Alps hammered by huge autumn snowfallHeavy September snow hits the eastern Alps

It has led to some resorts opening areas early:

First ski resorts in the Alps openAutumn ski season gets underway in the AlpsAnother ski area in Austria opens for autumn skiing

Stubai, Austria. Image © PlanetSKI

The simplest reason for more intense rainfall in a hotter world is that a warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture – about 7% for every 1C.

This extra moisture can lead to heavier rainfall and that can mean snow at altitude.

The figures come from The World Weather Attribution, WWA, and are reported on the BBC.

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