Winter Gives Way to Spring Weather: Record Temperatures in Central Europe

This year's February will go down in meteorological history as a month of extremes. In Central Europe, we are observing a rapid transition from harsh winter conditions to weather typical of advanced spring. Exceptionally high temperatures for February were recorded in Southwestern Germany and Poland, reaching locally close to 20 degrees Celsius, approaching long-term heat records. A similar situation was recorded in Thuringia and Hesse, where values above 20 degrees forced the end of the ski season on local slopes. This phenomenon is referred to by forecasters as a "heat explosion," which also reached Poland, bringing almost 20 degrees Celsius to the southern regions of the country. A completely different picture emerges from summaries for the northern part of the continent. Berlin and Brandenburg experienced the snowiest winter in 14 years, and in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, it was the whitest season since 2012. Despite heavy snowfall, in some regions like Saarland, the winter was classified as record rainy with a simultaneous lack of sunshine. Such large variations in weather conditions in a short time pose a challenge for agriculture and energy infrastructure. The sudden warming favors vegetation but raises concerns about possible frost returns in March, which could destroy prematurely awakened sap in fruit trees. The phenomenon of sudden warming at the end of winter, known as meteorological early spring, has occurred historically, but the frequency and scale of current temperature records are linked to ongoing climate changes in Europe. Polish meteorologists from the IMGW also point to an upcoming very warm weekend. Forecasts for Lower Silesia and Subcarpathia predict sunny weather with temperatures reaching up to 18 degrees. However, this situation raises concerns among doctors. Sudden changes in pressure and temperature negatively affect meteopaths, who may experience headaches, concentration problems, and blood pressure spikes. Although many Poles eagerly await spring, specialists advise caution when abruptly discarding winter clothing, as March can still bring cooling. „Będzie pogodnie i ciepło. Do 18 st. C na południowym zachodzie kraju.” (It will be sunny and warm. Up to 18°C in the southwestern part of the country.) — IMGW Forecaster Summarizing the meteorological balance, February 2026 appears as a month of enormous thermal and precipitation contrasts. While some regions of Europe are still dealing with the effects of record snowfalls, others are enjoying sunshine and temperatures traditionally reserved for May. This weather dynamic forces changes in planning field work and managing mountain resorts, which are ending their winter season day by day.