February Heat Records Shattered Across France and Spain
The conclusion of winter has ushered in remarkably high temperatures across a significant portion of Europe, with northern Spain and south-west France experiencing particularly extreme conditions that have shattered numerous February temperature records.
Record-Breaking Temperatures Documented
Multiple cities across the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and the Basque Country witnessed temperatures matching or exceeding their long-term February records. On Wednesday, Bilbao recorded a temperature of 27.1°C, while San Sebastián reached 27.6°C. These figures represent a staggering increase of more than 13°C above the average for this time of year.
The most intense heat of this period was observed on Tuesday in Saint Gladie, located at the base of the Pyrenees mountains. Here, the mercury soared to 29.6°C, which is 16°C above the seasonal average and surpasses the previous highest February temperature at this station by 2.6°C.
Meteorological Drivers Behind the Warmth
This widespread warmth across western Europe is attributed to the development of a large area of high pressure over central Europe. This weather system has generated southerly winds that have transported warmer air across the region.
Furthermore, temperatures in northern Spain and south-west France were amplified by the Föhn effect. This meteorological phenomenon occurs when air is forced over a mountain range, causing it to sink on the leeward side. As it descends, the air becomes significantly warmer and drier, contributing to the exceptional temperature readings.
Continuing Unseasonal Warmth Forecast
Following a brief reduction in temperatures over the weekend, forecasters anticipate further unseasonably warm conditions across much of Europe this week. High pressure is expected to persist over the continent, bringing temperatures widely into the teens and low 20s Celsius. These readings are typically 5-10°C above the average temperatures for early March.
Contrasting Weather in Asia
Meanwhile, in stark contrast to Europe's warmth, north China's Hebei province activated a level 4 emergency response on Sunday in preparation for incoming heavy snowfall. Forecasters predicted heavy snow from Sunday into Monday, with blizzard conditions and accumulations of 10-20cm. This weather event has the potential to disrupt transportation and urban services significantly.
This heavy snowfall was then expected to move eastwards, affecting much of South Korea on Monday. The precipitation is due to the influence of a low-pressure system passing south of Jeju Island. Gangwon's Yeongdong region is anticipated to experience the heaviest snow, with easterly winds driving the system. Snowfall could continue into Tuesday, with rates potentially reaching 5cm per hour. Mountainous areas in Gangwon could record 10-30cm of snow, with localized accumulations up to 40cm.
Temperatures in the Seoul metropolitan area were expected to drop to approximately 0°C, with rain potentially turning to snow. Later in the week, temperatures are forecast to fall once again, bringing a further risk of rain and snow nationwide on Friday.
