Rising average temperatures may lessen severity of winter cold spells

The Beast from the East, a severe winter cold spell that struck much of the U.K. and Europe in February and March 2018, delivered intense storms, snow showers and bitter winds. Recent observations suggest that as the climate changes, rising average temperatures are beginning to influence the intensity of such extreme cold events.

Scientists note that the increasing warmth of the planet will likely reduce the severity of future winter cold spells, meaning that the kind of harsh conditions seen during the Beast from the East may become less frequent or less intense. The Beast from the East brought severe storms, snow showers, and bitter winds to the U.K. and Europe in February and March 2018, and rising average temperatures are expected to reduce the severity of such cold events.