Weather tracker: February temperature records broken in France and Spain

"Cities across Nouvelle-Aquitaine and the Basque Country, including Bordeaux, Bilbao and San Sebastian, matched or exceeded their long-term February records, with temperatures of 27.1C and 27.6C recorded in Bilbao and San Sebastian on Wednesday, more than 13C above average for the time of year."

"The warmth across western Europe was the result of a large area of high pressure developing across central Europe, which brought southerly winds across western Europe. Temperatures across northern Spain and south-west France were then further enhanced by the Fohn effect, a meteorological phenomenon whereby air that is forced over a mountain range sinks downwards on the leeward side, becoming significantly warmer and drier as a result."

"Heavy snow was forecast for Sunday into Monday with blizzard conditions and up to 10-20cm of snow, which could disrupt transportation and urban service. This heavy snowfall was then expected to move eastwards and affect much of South Korea on Monday."

Northern Spain and southwestern France experienced record-breaking February temperatures, with cities like Bilbao and San Sebastian reaching 27.6°C, over 13°C above average. Saint Gladie recorded the highest temperature at 29.6°C, 16°C above normal and 2.6°C above the previous February record. A high-pressure system over central Europe created southerly winds, while the Fohn effect—where air descends on mountain leeward sides and warms—further elevated temperatures. After a weekend cooling, temperatures are expected to remain unseasonably warm across Europe into early March, typically 5-10°C above average. Conversely, northern China's Hebei province issued a level 4 emergency response for incoming heavy snowfall, with 10-20cm expected Sunday into Monday, potentially disrupting transportation. This system was forecast to move eastward, affecting South Korea.

Read at www.theguardian.com