Global Weather Review: Cyclones and European Cold

Southern Hemisphere Cyclones

Tropical Cyclone Mitchell Impacts Western Australia

Tropical Cyclone Mitchell developed as a weak low over Australia's Northern Territory in early February before moving east to the Indian Ocean via Western Australia's Kimberley region. Fueled by warm waters, it intensified into a category three tropical cyclone and tracked south-west along the Western Australian coast. The cyclone made landfall in westernmost Western Australia, weakening back to a tropical low.

Coastal areas experienced strong winds, high tides, and heavy rainfall.

Lingering moisture from Mitchell later contributed to stormy weather, heavy rain, and wind damage in southern Western Australia.

Tropical Cyclone Gezani Strikes Madagascar

Tropical Cyclone Gezani made landfall on Madagascar's east coast on February 12, causing significant flooding and damage to hundreds of buildings. Wind speeds of 155 mph were recorded near Toamasina.

Tropical Cyclone Gezani made landfall on Madagascar's east coast on February 12, causing significant flooding and damage to hundreds of buildings.

Gezani weakened after landfall but continued to impact the island, resulting in at least 35 fatalities and displacing over 2,500 individuals. This was the second cyclone to strike Madagascar in a short period, following Tropical Cyclone Fytia which had occurred 10 days earlier, causing 14 deaths and displacing 31,000 people.

European Deep Freeze

In Europe, a persistent high-pressure system over the northern part of the continent led to dry and cold conditions across Scandinavia, the Baltics, and eastern Europe, making January the coldest since 2010.

In Europe, a persistent high-pressure system over the northern part of the continent led to dry and cold conditions across Scandinavia, the Baltics, and eastern Europe, making January the coldest since 2010.

Early January Cold Snap

Two significant cold snaps were observed. The first occurred in early January in the far north, where temperatures dropped below -40C. Tulppio, Finland, recorded -42.8C on January 9, and Karasjok, Norway, recorded -41.5C on January 11.

These conditions led to flight cancellations due to deicing issues and increased electricity demand for heating.

Late January to Early February Extreme Cold

A second extreme cold spell developed in late January, initially affecting northern Scandinavia with temperatures falling to -35.6C in Utsjoki, Finland. As low pressure moved from the east in early February, this Arctic air advanced south into eastern Europe.

Lithuania experienced temperatures of -34.3C on February 1, and north-eastern Poland recorded a minimum of -27.7C, approximately 20C below the climate average. The sustained cold allowed parts of the Baltic Sea, including the Bay of Gdansk, to freeze over.

This winter, 38 people in Poland died from hypothermia, which is double the previous year's count.