Icy extremes in North America: Germany remains protected from the cold

Icy extremes in North America: Germany remains protected from the cold

On January 17, 2025, people in North America experience an extreme Arctic outbreak with worrying cold temperatures. According to Wetter.net, meteorologists report temperatures below -20 degrees a day and even up to -40 degrees at night. These extraordinary conditions result in severe blizzards, make the streets impassable and close several airports. Millions of people are affected by power failures, while meteorologist Dominik Jung urgently warns of the dangers of frostbite within a few minutes. Such a weather situation has an impact on everyday life and the security of the population.

In this difficult time for North America, one might think that Europe is also affected by these extreme weather conditions. But the opposite seems to be the case. fr.de reports that a mild weather for the last January days is forecast. Temperatures above 15 degrees, even up to 18 degrees in some regions, are possible. This ensures spring -like conditions, especially on the Upper Rhine, accompanied by rain and wind. For winter friends in Germany, however, the disappointment remains that wintry weather is not in sight.

The meteorological framework for Europe

An important realization is that the likelihood that Germany experiences similar extreme temperatures such as North America is very low. Thanks to several "barriers", including the Gulf Stream, the air in Europe remains relatively mild, which prevents a drastic lowering of temperature. The geographical location of Germany ensures that cold air masses are weakened from the Arctic. Nevertheless, it is important that -20 degrees are also possible, during -40 degrees represent extreme values ​​that would only occur under special conditions.

However, the weather models show strong fluctuations, which does not rule out that sudden winter break -ins can be possible at any time. In the past, there have been cases such as the winter of 1929, the temperatures of which in Germany dropped below -30 degrees. As merkur.de Ostwindlagen leads to icy air masses from Russia get to Germany and cause extreme cold waves.

climate change and weather extreme

Another aspect that cannot be ignored in this discussion is climate change. A connection between weather extreme and global warming is becoming increasingly clear. According to a current report, the global average temperatures are now close to 1.5 ° C above the level of the 19th century. With each increase in the temperature, the atmosphere can store more moisture, which leads to intensification of rainfall. Euronews reports that global warming has doubled the likelihood of extreme weather events such as violent rainfall and heat waves.

The need to reduce emissions will be increasingly urgent, especially with the upcoming COP29 climate summit, which will take place in Baku next month. A central point of the agenda will be a new fund for developing countries to support in extreme weather events and reduce subsequent damage. However, experts warn that many endangered countries that suffer most from the effects of climate change are apparently not well prepared for the upcoming challenges.