Extreme weather conditions are forecast for large parts of Austria over the coming days. Enormous amounts of snow and rain are expected due to a cut-off low that will initially move northwards east of the Alps before remaining almost stationary. This specific weather pattern repeatedly leads to extreme events, as past flooding events in Austria in 2002 and 2013 impressively demonstrated. What remains beyond dispute is that the ongoing climate change is increasingly amplifying the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
Current influence of climatic changes
The current weather development is the result of different air masses meeting: very cold air from the Arctic is encountering warm, moist air from the Mediterranean region. Climate change has caused sea surface temperatures to rise, and the Mediterranean is currently unusually warm. This allows the air moving over it to absorb more water vapour. These enormous masses of water are now being released in the form of heavy rainfall — and, from mid-range elevations upwards, as snowfall — across large parts of Austria. As the weather pattern becomes entrenched over Austria for several days, the risk of flooding and debris flows increases daily. There may be disruptions to rail and road transport as well as to the energy supply. This heavy rainfall event follows a long period of heat and drought. The combination of intense precipitation, localised heavy snowfall, strong winds, and partially damaged vegetation and very dry soils further adds to the assessment of possible impacts. According to GeoSphere Austria, the east of the country is particularly affected. It is strongly advised to stay continuously informed and to follow the recommendations and measures issued by the authorities.
Extreme weather is becoming more frequent
As climate change progresses, extreme weather events are occurring ever more frequently and with greater intensity. Looking back at the major flood disasters of recent years makes it clear just how urgently precautionary measures and protective provisions are needed. The growing risk of flooding and debris flows threatens not only our agricultural land and transport and energy infrastructure, but also human lives. Soil sealing is making the situation worse, as valuable natural water retention areas are being lost. Particularly problematic is the loss of retention areas where excess water can be safely collected.
Action is needed
In order to be better prepared for future extreme weather events, targeted climate change adaptation measures are essential in response to the already changed climatic conditions. These include protecting and preserving unsealed soils in order to maintain the natural water balance and ensure sustainable flood protection.
It is particularly urgent to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ultimately bring them to a halt entirely, in order to prevent further destabilisation of the global climate system and to avoid exceeding adaptive capacity as well as tipping points in the climate system. Austria is also falling short in this regard. While the country is considered a relatively small emitter on a global scale, it contributes to the significant 36% of global greenhouse gas emissions that come from countries each accounting for less than 2% of worldwide emissions. Austria's role becomes even clearer when looking at per capita emissions: while these are declining, they still rank in the top 25% globally. Ultimately, every country must play its part. The later global emissions decline, the more difficult and costly it will be to avert the worst consequences of the climate crisis, and the more dramatic and far-reaching extreme events will become.
Further information is also available in the Climate Status Report 2023 on the topic of (heavy) precipitation.
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