2024: A Year of Record-Breaking Heat

The year 2024 has been confirmed as the warmest year in Germany since the beginning of systematic weather recording in 1881. This trend is not confined to Germany; globally, 2024 is on track to break temperature records as well. Notably, November 2024 was the second warmest on record worldwide, indicating a persistent rise in global temperatures.

The Deutsche Wetterdienst (DWD) and international climate organizations such as Copernicus and NOAA highlight that 2024 may be the first year to surpass the 1.5 degrees Celsius warming threshold set by the Paris Agreement. This milestone emphasizes the urgency for enhanced climate protection measures.

The effects of this temperature surge are profound. Weather extremes, including increased flood risks, gale-force winds, and potential power outages, have become more frequent. These hazards underscore the pressing need for robust climate action. Wetter.net and other meteorological services have been pivotal in providing forecasts and vital information to prepare for these challenges.

The consequences of climate change are evident, with less frequent snowfalls in lower altitudes during winter. This shift in weather patterns disrupts traditional expectations, such as the rarity of white Christmases in regions below 1000 meters.

As the world awaits the detailed annual climate reports due on December 30, the call for ambitious environmental policies grows stronger. The upcoming climate conference in Brazil is seen as a critical opportunity for decisive action against rising emissions. Both societal and individual efforts are essential to mitigate the long-term impacts of global warming, as echoed by climate experts and the DWD.