October 2024: A look at the unusual weather extremes

October 2024: A look at the unusual weather extremes

October 2024 made an impressive statement in Austria, although it was significantly quieter compared to the record-breaking September. The temperatures were still significantly above the long-term average, resulting in a temperature deviation of over 2 degrees. While the entire month was accompanied by clouds and rain, some regions, especially the Northern Alps, experienced real summer feelings with highs of up to 26.3 degrees in Kufstein.

Compared to previous October months, the past month was among the top 15 in all nine state capitals since records began. For example, in Vienna-Hohe Warte there was a deviation of +1.4 degrees, which means the 13th place since measurements began in 1872. Significant deviations of +1.9 degrees and +2.1 degrees were also found in St. Pölten and Linz. This data would apply to almost all cities in Austria, which illustrates the widespread and ongoing warming.

Rainfall amounts and weather conditions

However, October 2024 was not only characterized by warm temperatures. In the first half of the month, a strong low pressure influence had a negative impact on the weather and led to heavy rain in many regions, especially in the south of Austria. An impressive 362 liters of rain fell per square meter at Loibl, while similar extreme values ​​occurred in other regions such as Kötschach-Mauthen and Kornat. In stark contrast were the measured values ​​in the Waldviertel, where only 16 l/m² were measured in Retz. Overall, around 15% more rain fell across Austria than usual, with deviations of 50 to 80% in the southern federal states.

Overall, the October 2024 results showed that the south of the country suffered from greatly increased rainfall, while northern regions suffered from deficit rainfall. The duration of sunshine was also on average around 15% less than usual. Regions such as Klagenfurt and Graz even recorded 40% fewer hours of sunshine than the long-term average. In contrast, in some areas from the Salzkammergut to the Tullnerfeld there was a slightly positive deviation in the hours of sunshine.

The weather statistics show an interesting picture - while temperatures have risen sharply again and reached the record values ​​of previous years, regions such as the Waldviertel have to contend with noticeable dryness and fewer hours of sunshine. The meteorological conditions also seem to show major differences between the individual Austrian regions this month.