Premature Spring in Europe: Temperatures in Germany and Italy Near Record Highs

The end of February 2026 is being recorded in the annals of meteorology as an exceptionally warm and sunny period for a large part of the continent. In Germany, particularly in the regions of Bavaria as well as Berlin and Brandenburg, temperatures rarely seen at this time of year have been recorded. Thermometers in many places approached the 20–22 degrees Celsius mark, which is a result several degrees higher than the long-term average. This situation attracts interest not only from residents enjoying the sun but also from scientists, as the current values are approaching the historical temperature record from 1900. Meteorological spring is approaching rapidly, and the current weather constitutes a premature prelude for many. Simultaneously in Italy, an atmosphere similar to May prevails, with temperatures exceeding the average by 10 degrees Celsius. Articles point to a sunny weekend that favors tourism and recreation. Nevertheless, the situation is not uniform across the entire continent. While the south and center of Germany and Italy enjoy sunshine, northern regions such as Schleswig-Holstein or Hamburg are grappling with more variable weather and cloud cover. Italian meteorological services also announce the arrival of an Atlantic front, which is expected to bring light rainfall in the northwestern part of the country, putting an end to the momentary idyll. February in Central Europe has historically been characterized by frost and snow cover, but in the last decade, so-called thermal anomalies associated with progressing climate change are increasingly observed. In Berlin, the warming has influenced social moods, which was vividly described as stimulating vitamin D receptors. Even ongoing public transport strikes do not seem as bothersome at a temperature of 18 degrees. However, experts from DWD are monitoring the situation in terms of potential weather extremes. Although the current warming is pleasant, it may negatively affect plant vegetation, which, awakening too early, could fall victim to March frosts. „Streik bei 18 Grad? Nach diesem Winter erschüttert das Berlin nicht” (Strike at 18 degrees? After this winter, that doesn't shake Berlin) — Berliner Zeitung This ironic remark well captures the shift in priorities for residents of the German capital, for whom the sun has become a temporary solace after long months of grayness. In North Rhine-Westphalia and in the states of Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate, the weather remains more varied. After initial sunshine, scattered showers are expected there, showing that the stable high-pressure system has not yet covered the entire western part of Europe. Nonetheless, the anticipated breach of the 20-degree mark in February remains the main topic of public and media debates.