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2025: A record year – it has never been so hot and dry!
In 2025, Austria experienced extreme changes in temperature and precipitation. An overview of the climatic trends and their consequences.
2025: A record year – it has never been so hot and dry!
The year 2025 will be an exceptional year for Austria, characterized by record temperatures and drought. According to dolomitenstadt.at, it is one of the warmest years in both the lowlands and the mountains since measurements began. In the lowlands, the average temperature was 0.8 degrees higher than the average for the 1991-2020 climate period, while in the mountains the average temperature was 1.3 degrees higher.
According to the weather conditions, 2025 also leaves a lasting impression in terms of precipitation. It is one of the 20 driest years, with 13 percent less precipitation falling compared to the long-term average. This reinforces the challenges Austria faces when it comes to climate change.
Significant impacts of climate change
A comprehensive report written by over 200 researchers reveals alarming trends related to climate change. The second Austrian assessment report on climate change states that the average temperature in Austria has risen by around 3.1 °C since 1900 - more than twice the global average. Such drastic changes have led to an increase in extreme weather events such as heat waves and heavy rain, which have negative impacts on health, infrastructure and agriculture.
In order to counteract the far-reaching consequences of climate change, Environment and Climate Minister Norbert Totschnig emphasizes the urgency of an active climate protection policy. The report highlights that Austria must take urgent measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to achieve EU targets by 2030. There is currently a reduction gap of up to 10 megatons of CO₂ equivalents.
Climate data and their analysis
The data from GeoSphere Austria offers a valuable insight into the country's climatic characteristics through a comprehensive meteorological measurement network. These data and analyzes are used to understand current weather events and classify long-term changes in the climate in Austria. For example, in September 2024, certain regions received up to 160 percent more precipitation than in previous extreme events.
Monitoring climate conditions is crucial to developing preventive measures. It is emphasized that preventative climate protection is more cost-effective than dealing with damage that occurs later. The recommended measures include expanding public transport, promoting climate-friendly heat supply and protecting wetlands.
So 2025 brings not only weather records, but also tangible challenges that require immediate action. Political decision-makers and society are called upon to act together to set the course for a sustainable and climate-resilient future.