Surface air temperature anomaly for October 2022 relative to the October average for the period 1991-2020. Data: ERA5. Graphic: Copernicus Climate Change Service / ECMWF
Surface air temperature anomaly for October 2022 relative to the October average for the period 1991-2020. Data: ERA5. Graphic: Copernicus Climate Change Service / ECMWF

8 November 2022 (DW) – The European continent has just experienced its warmest October since records began, according to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S)

It said temperatures were nearly 2 degrees Celsius above the average for the 1991-2020 reference period.

“The severe consequences of climate change are very visible today and we need ambitious climate action at COP27 to ensure emissions reduction to stabilize temperatures close to the Paris Agreement target of 1.5 degrees,” said C3S deputy director Samantha Burgess, referring to UN climate talks taking place in Egypt.

The climate monitor said a warm spell “brought record daily temperatures to western Europe, and a record-warm October for Austria, Switzerland and France.” Records were also shattered last month in large parts of Italy and Spain.

Meanwhile, Australia, far eastern Russia, and parts of western Antarctica experienced colder-than-average temperatures.

Protesters at the COP27 climate conference hold a banner that reads, “People vs. Fossil Fuels” on 11 November 2022. Photo: Kiara Worth / UNFCCC
Protesters at the COP27 climate conference hold a banner that reads, “People vs. Fossil Fuels” on 11 November 2022. Photo: Kiara Worth / UNFCCC

Climate summit underway in Egypt

The news comes as world leaders gather in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh for the UN COP27 climate conference. Countries are under pressure to slash emissions and transition away from fossil fuels to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels — as stipulated in the Paris Agreement.

Earth has already warmed more than 1.1 C since the late 19th century. Roughly half of that increase has occurred in the past 30 years.

Scientists say heat waves, glacier melt, sea level rise and torrential downpours have become more severe due to climate change.

Speaking at the COP27 summit, UN chief Antonio Guterres warned that nations must stick to emissions targets or face “collective suicide” in the fight against gobal heating.

“Humanity has a choice: cooperate or perish,” he said.

Europe sees warmest October on record


Average near-surface air temperature percentiles for October 2022. Colour categories refer to the percentiles of the temperature distribution as calculated from the 1991–2020 reference period. The “warmest” category refers to the period 1979-2022. Graphic: Copernicus Climate Change Service / ECMWF
Average near-surface air temperature percentiles for October 2022. Colour categories refer to the percentiles of the temperature distribution as calculated from the 1991–2020 reference period. The “warmest” category refers to the period 1979-2022. Graphic: Copernicus Climate Change Service / ECMWF

Europe experiences warmest October on record

BONN, 7 November 2022 (C3S) – The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), implemented by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts on behalf of the European Commission with funding from the EU, routinely publishes monthly climate bulletins reporting on the changes observed in global surface air temperature, sea ice cover, and hydrological values. All the reported findings are based on computer-generated analyses using billions of measurements from satellites, ships, aircraft and weather stations around the world. 

October 2022 – temperature:

  • Europe had its warmest October in the record, with temperatures nearly 2°C above the 1991-2020 reference period.
  • A warm spell brought record daily temperatures to western Europe, and a record-warm October for Austria, Switzerland and France, as well as for large parts of Italy and Spain.
  • Canada experienced record warmth, and much warmer-than-average conditions also occurred in Greenland and Siberia.
  • The largest colder-than-average temperatures were found in Australia, far eastern Russia, and in parts of west Antarctica. […]

Samantha Burgess, Deputy Director of C3S said, “Europe has just had its warmest October on record – more than 2 degrees above the average of the last 30 years, following the warmest summer season ever recorded. The severe consequences of climate change are very visible today and we need ambitious climate action at COP27 to ensure emissions reduction to stabilise temperatures close to the Paris Agreement target of 1.5 degrees.” [more]

Copernicus: Europe experiences warmest October on record