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Projected relative change of annual maximum daily mean wind speed between 1961-2000 and 2050 using different models: Data are calculated for 10 m height using the + 2 oC scenario for 2050 (IPCC-SRES A1B emission scenarios) and the reference climate (1961-2000) from three similar models (left) and one different model, MIROCHi (right).
Located in Data and maps › Maps and graphs
Storms (CLIM 005) - Assessment published Nov 2012: Storm location, frequency and intensity have shown considerable variability across Europe over the past century, making it difficult to identify clear trends. A recent reanalysis suggests that storminess has increased over the past century in northern and north-western Europe but this finding is not yet robust. Climate change projections for storms in the North Atlantic and Europe region show no clear consensus in either the direction of movement or the intensity of storm activity. However, a recent study involving 20 climate models projects enhanced extreme wind speeds over northern parts of central and western Europe, and a decrease in extreme wind speeds in southern Europe.
Located in Data and maps › Indicators › Storms
Storms and storm surges in Europe (CLIM 005) - Assessment published Sep 2008: There has been considerable variation, but no clear long term trend in storminess in Europe. Storm frequency was relatively high during the late 19th and early 20th century; then decreased in central and northern Europe. The recent high level is similar to the late 19th century level of storminess. Despite the variation in storminess, water levels along most vulnerable European coastlines of the North Sea and Mediterranean Sea have shown no significant storm-related variation. Extra-tropical storm tracks are projected to move pole-wards, with consequent changes in wind, precipitation, and temperature patterns, continuing the broad pattern of observed trends over the past half-century. Climate models indicate a slight decrease in the number of storms and an increase of the strength of the heaviest storms. Projections to the end of the 21st century show a significant increase in storm surge elevation for the continental North Sea and south-east England.
Located in Data and maps › Indicators › Storms and storm surges in Europe
Europe's onshore and offshore wind energy potential: This report provides a Europe-wide resource assessment of onshore and offshore wind potential in a geographically explicit manner. In addition to calculating raw wind resource potential, this study also introduces and quantitatively analyses the environmental and social constraints on wind sector development. Concerns addressed include the noise and visual impact of wind power, as well as the deaths of birds and bats that fly into rotor blades. The report also evaluates the future costs of wind energy production across Europe in order to gauge the potential output at competitive rates.
Located in Publications
Trends in the extreme wind speeds in the period 1871-2008 based on reanalysis: Trends in the annual 95th percentile of daily maximum wind speeds in the 20th century reanalysis data set (ensemble mean) during the period 1871–2008. The trend is given in the units of the interannual standard deviation and plotted only when significant. The coloured circles indicate trends in the number of 'gale days' (an index that represents the number of extremely windy days) over the period at the specific locations.
Located in Data and maps › Maps and graphs
Projected changes in extreme wind speed based on GCM and RCM ensembles: Ensemble mean of changes in extreme wind speed (defined as the 98th percentile of daily maximum wind speed) for A1B (2071–2100) relative to 1961–2000. Left: based on 9 GCMs. Right: based on 11 RCMs. Coloured areas indicate the magnitude of change (unit: m s−1), statistical significance above 0.95 is shown by black dots.
Located in Data and maps › Maps and graphs