Storm Eowyn: Climate change fuels record winds across the UK
Prof. Bogdan Chojnicki, a climatologist from the University of Life Sciences in Poznań, evaluated Eowyn as a storm of considerable force. The expert noted that this phenomenon is likely to bypass Central Europe.
In recent days, the media have reported on the "largest cyclone in generations" affecting the British Isles. Prof. Bogdan Chojnicki stressed that this phenomenon should correctly be termed a "storm." At the same time, "hurricane" is a term reserved for similar occurrences in the central Atlantic.
The scientist indicated that an essential factor influencing the strength of this storm is climate change, more precisely, the increasingly higher temperature of the North Atlantic surface. He emphasised that the formation of storms is an entirely natural process in these regions, and during winter, they are particularly dramatic.
He noted that this time "it is an extremely potent phenomenon" and in this regard, "there is no doubt."
Will the storm not reach Central Europe?
When asked about the consequences of such strong winds, he assessed that, due to very strong gusts, "the damage will be considerable." He reassured that the storm will probably bypass Central Europe, with the highest wind speeds expected mainly in the regions of Ireland and the United Kingdom.
He added that the storm's trajectory indicates that it will not affect the coasts of Norway and Sweden (...) and that it also seems unlikely to cause damage in Central Europe.
The climatologist explained that storms develop where air masses with differing temperatures meet, with these contrasts particularly pronounced in winter. He further highlighted that the intensity of the powerful vortices observed is heavily influenced by the temperature of the surface, specifically the water in the northern Atlantic Ocean.
"Energy stored in the water powers Eowyn"
The two significant air masses involved consist of cold air on one side and relatively warm air remaining over the Atlantic on the other.
In fact, friction develops between these two masses to the extent that a vortex builds up—initially small and then growing larger, he explained.
According to the data, he pointed out 2024 was an exceptionally warm year, resulting in a high water temperature in the Atlantic Ocean, particularly in its northern part.
As he noted, the North Atlantic is as warm as in January of last year's record warm year, so the energy stored in the water will effectively power Eowyn, making it exceptionally strong. More climatic records will probably be broken in this region, he added.
