Germany registers greatest temperature change since records began in 1880

Germany has just experienced its biggest temperature change in 141 years-- since record-keeping began in 1880-- with an increase of 41.9 °C (75.4 °F) in one week, according to climate researchers at the German Weather Service (DWD).

A piercing cold temperature of -23.8 °C (-10.8 °F) was recorded in Goettingen city on February 14. After seven days, the high was 18.1 °C (64.6 °F).

DWD researchers said the country had never before experienced a temperature swing such as the one that occurred at the weather station in the city.

The previous record was set in the area in May 1880, the early days of weather record-keeping. That time, a temperature increase of 41 °C (73.8 °F) was recorded within seven days.

On Monday, February 22, two regional winter heat records had been smashed in northern Germany. In Quickborn town, the high was 18.9 °C (66 °F), surpassing the previous record of 17.8 °C (64 °F) set in 2019.

Neuwiedenthal weather station registered 21.1 °C (70 °F), breaking the previous record of 18.1 °C (64.6 °F) set just more than a year earlier, said a DWD spokesperson.

For the first time since temperature records began, the temperature in Hamburg has thus risen above 20 °C (68 °F) in winter."

Featured image credit: DWD