Energy & Science

January 2020 Was Europe’s Hottest on Record

Last month was 5.6 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than normal, according to Copernicus climate data

Steam and exhaust rise from different companies in Oberhausen, Germany. According to a report released by the European Copernicus Climate Change Service, January 2020 was the hottest January on record (Photo by Lukas Schulze/Getty Images) — Steam and exhaust rise from different companies in Oberhausen, Germany. According to a report released by the European Copernicus Climate Change Service, January 2020 was the hottest January on record (Photo by Lukas Schulze/Getty Images)
Photographer: Lukas Schulze/Getty Images Europe

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By Laura Millan

February 5, 2020 at 11:56 AM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

Scientists confirmed Wednesday what struggling European reindeer herders and disappointed skiers already suspected: unusual winter heat just broke another temperature record.

Last month was the hottest January ever in Europe, the Copernicus Climate Change Service reported. Surface temperatures were 3.1 degrees Celsius (5.6 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than average and were 0.2 degrees Celsius hotter than the previous record in 2007.