Recent research by Climate Central reveals alarming trends in winter temperatures across the Northern Hemisphere. Analyzing climate data from 123 countries, the organization found that 44 nations have lost at least one week of winter conditions in the past decade, with temperatures rising above freezing when they should have been colder.
Germany is among the ten most affected countries, having lost 18 frost days. The data indicates a concerning pattern of increasing temperatures, with the EU's Copernicus Earth Observation Programme reporting that global warming surpassed 1.5 degrees Celsius for the first time in 2024.
In terms of individual cities, Fuji, Japan, ranks highest with 35 lost frost days, while Munich, Germany, is the most affected city in the country, losing 24 days. Experts warn that warmer winters could have significant ecological impacts, such as reduced snowpack in mountains, which is vital for water supply and irrigation.
The increase in winter temperatures also poses risks for pest survival, with ticks becoming active even during winter months in Germany. Shorter winters may lead to earlier and prolonged plant growth, potentially increasing the presence of allergens.
Kristina Dahl, Vice President and Chief Scientist at Climate Central, emphasizes the urgency of transitioning away from fossil fuels, which are the primary drivers of global temperature rise. The long-term effects of climate change could paradoxically lead to colder conditions in Europe if the melting of Greenland's ice disrupts the Atlantic ocean currents that regulate climate.