Why do some winter cold spells last for weeks instead of days? Learn how large-scale atmospheric patterns trap cold air, suppress weather changes, and contribute to long-lasting winter conditions.

On a cold winter day, the number shown on a thermometer rarely tells the full story. Add wind to low temperatures, and conditions can feel significantly colder – sometimes dangerously so. This effect is known as wind chill, and it plays an important role in how the human body experiences cold weather.

High above our heads, at roughly the cruising altitude of commercial aircraft, a powerful river of air is constantly shaping the weather we experience at the surface. This river is known as the jet stream, and during winter it plays a particularly important role in determining whether we see storms, frost, or prolonged calm.

The polar vortex significantly influences winter weather across the Northern Hemisphere. When it is strong, winters are milder and wetter, but when it weakens or shifts, it can bring cold snaps and heavy snow. Studying the vortex helps meteorologists predict these changes and better forecast seasonal weather.

Climate change is affecting vineyards, making some traditional wine regions too warm and opening new areas in the north for grape growing. The Huglin Index allows winemakers to plan which grapes are the most suitable for their region today and in decades to come.

La Niña conditions are developing again and are expected to influence the coming winter, with weather impacts varying across different regions.

Satellites have transformed how we monitor our planet, especially when it comes to extreme weather. From hurricanes and typhoons to floods and wildfires, modern weather satellites can track storm evolution in real time and help assess damage after a disaster has passed.

Record heat, massive wildfires, dusty skies, and stormy weather defined Europe’s meteorological summer in 2025 – a season that tested resilience and underscored the urgency of climate adaptation.

Heat stress indices reveal how extreme weather feels and why it threatens human health.

Rising heat risks demand better planning, stronger warning systems, and targeted adaptation strategies.