First Heat, Then Flooding: 2024 Was an Absolute Extreme Year According to Climate Report

In Austria, the previous year was the warmest in recorded history. Additionally, there were the longest documented heatwaves and the highest number of tropical nights. At the same time, enormous amounts of rainfall in September led to floods in large parts of the country, causing significant damage in the affected areas. The climate status report 2024, published on Wednesday, chronicled the year of extremes and calls for climate protection and adaptation measures.

The report is commissioned annually by the Climate and Energy Fund and all nine federal states, conducted by the Climate Change Centre Austria (CCCA) in collaboration with the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (Boku) and Geosphere Austria. It aims to once again highlight how strongly the effects of human-induced climate change are felt in Austria. Due to higher temperatures, the likelihood of extreme rainfall increases, as was evident last autumn. The flooding resulting from heavy rain claimed six lives and caused massive destruction to buildings, infrastructure, and agriculture. The extreme weather event caused costs in the billions.

Totschnig: "Climate protection is disaster protection"

"The current climate status report shows the areas where we can implement adaptation measures more effectively. They also provide a decision-making basis for our climate change adaptation model regions, which implement the most important measures for their region across Austria to mitigate the effects of climate change," said Climate Minister Norbert Totschnig (ÖVP). The risk of extreme weather events is increasing, along with the dangers to the population, economy, and environment. "Climate protection is disaster protection and secures our livelihoods as well as the health of Austrians."

Too early heat, then cold snap: Damages in the millions

In Austria, the average temperature last year was plus 8.8 degrees. Thus, it was the warmest year on record here, with a deviation of plus three degrees compared to the climate average of 1961-1990. February stood out in particular, with an average temperature of plus 6.6 degrees. Additionally, the 30-degree mark was exceeded in the first half of April. Earlier than ever in the year. As a result, the plant world began to bloom earlier than usual - at the same time, there was a cold snap and late frost in April. The combination led to enormous damage in fruit and wine-growing cultures, causing costs of 56 million euros according to the report.

"The past year brought new temperature records, while storms, hail, and floods kept the population on edge. Climate change challenges us all. To prepare as well as possible and remain capable of action in the face of all uncertainties and threats, we must pull together. Across municipal and state borders," said State Councilor Sara Schaar (SPÖ), chairwoman of the state climate protection conference.

Over 50 Tropical Nights in Record City Vienna

In the summer of 2024, the temperature in downtown Vienna was at least 30 degrees on 52 days. The nights rarely brought real cooling. With 53 tropical nights, where the temperature did not drop below 20 degrees, a new record was reached in a negative sense. "Austrian regions below 500 meters recorded an average of 90 summer days in 2024, which is twice as many as the average," the report stated.

"The consequences of climate change are becoming more apparent year by year and are having a direct impact on our daily lives," said the managing director of the Climate and Energy Fund, Bernd Vogl. The programs "KEM - Climate and Energy Model Regions" and "KLAR! - Climate Change Adaptation Model Regions" are therefore important tools for municipalities in the active fight against the climate crisis and its impacts.

After Record Summer Came the Floods in Austria

Because after the dry periods in the summer with little rain and only occasional thunderstorms, there was more rainfall in September than ever before in recorded history. In Lower Austria, for example, four times the amount of rain that normally occurs in the entire month fell from September 10 to 16, according to the analysis. Strong and destructive floods were the result.

"It is important to us that the report not only points out the problems but also highlights possible solutions. Research results, recommendations for action, and best practice examples should provide impetus for climate protection and adaptation measures," said Herbert Formayer, scientific director of the report and professor at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (Boku) Vienna.

(APA/Red)

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