2024 was the warmest year in Austria’s measurement history – Diepresse.com
As long as heat periods and as many tropical nights as in the previous year have never been around since the start of the measurement. At the same time there were enormous amounts of rain. The climatic status report shows one year of extremes.
In Austria it was more warm in the previous year than ever in measurement history. There were also the longest documented heat periods and the highest number of tropical nights. At the same time, enormous amounts of precipitation in September led to flooding in large parts of the country with great damage in the affected areas. The climatic status report in 2024 published on Wednesday recorded the year of extremes- and calls for climate protection and adaptation measures.
The report is carried out every year on behalf of the climate and energy fund and all nine federal states by the Climate Change Center Austria (CCCA) in collaboration with the University of Natural Resources and the Lady (BOKU) and the Geosphere Austria. He wants to pretend once again how strong the consequences of man -made climate change can also be felt in Austria. Because the higher temperatures increases the likelihood of extreme precipitation, as it was shown last autumn. The flood as a result of heavy rain called for six fatalities and ensured massive destruction of buildings, infrastructure and agriculture. The extreme weather event caused costs in billions.
Comfortable sees climate protection as disaster protection
« In the current climatic status report, the fields of action can be seen in which we can start even more effectively with adaptation measures. They also form a decision-making basis for our climate change adaptation model regions that implement the most important measures for their region in order to mitigate the consequences of climate change, » said climate minister Norbert Tettschnig (OSVP). The risk of extreme weather events increases and thus the dangers for the population, economy and the environment. « Climate protection is disaster protection and secures our livelihood as well as the health of Austrians: inside. »
In Austria, the average temperature in the previous year was plus 8.8 degrees. So it was the warmest year since the beginning of the records with a deviation of plus three degrees compared to the climate agent 1961-1990. February was particularly emphasized, at that time the average temperature was plus 6.6 degrees. In addition, the 30-degree mark was exceeded in the first half of April. As early as ever over the course of the year. As a result, the fauna began to bloom earlier than usual – at the same time there was also a cold air slump and late frost in April. The combination led to enormous damage in fruit and viticultural cultures and, according to the report, caused costs of 56 million euros.
« The past year brought temperature records again, at the same time storm, hail and floods have kept the population in suspense. Climate change demands all of us. In order to equip us as well as possible and to remain capable of acting in view of all uncertainties and threats, we have to pull together. About community and national borders, » said State Councilor Sara Schaar (SPÖ), Chairman of the State climate protection officer: Inner conference.
Vienna with record value of tropical nights in the previous year
In the summer of 2024, the temperature in downtown Vienna was at least 30 degrees on 52 days. The nights rarely brought real cooling. With 53 tropical nights, on which the temperature did not fall below 20 degrees, a new record was achieved in the negative sense. « In 2024, Austrian regions below 500 meters recorded 90 summer days, which is twice as many as on average, » it said in the report.
« The consequences of climate change become clearer year after year and have a direct impact on our everyday life, » said the managing director of the climate and energy fund, Bernd Vogl. The programs « KEM – climate and energy model regions » as well as « clear! – – climate change adaptation model regions » are therefore important tools for the municipalities in the active fight against the climate crisis and their effects.
After dry summer, rainy autumn came
Because after the dry periods in summer with little rain and only occasional thunderstorms there was more precipitation in September than ever in measurement history. In Lower Austria, around September 10th to 16th, the four -time amount of rain fell, which normally occurs throughout the month, according to the evaluation. The result was strong and destructive floods.
“It is important to us to point out the problems not only the problems, but also to solutions.
Research results, recommendations for action and best practice examples should give impulses for climate protection and adaptation measures, ”Herbert Formayer, scientific director of the report and professor at the University of Natural Research (BOKU) Vienna. (APA)
The entire climatic status report 2024 can be found here.
