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Keeping record: The Śnieżka weather station

April 30, 2024

For over 140 years, the Śnieżka weather station in Poland has been gathering data that serves as a basis for forecasts related to agriculture and water management. It’s also a valuable resource for climate change research.

https://p.dw.com/p/4fC7Y

Meteorological measurements have been conducted at the weather station on the peak of Śnieżka in the Krkonoše Mountains for nearly 140 years. Meteorologists observe temperature, humidity and wind every hour – and witness weather phenomena like the Brocken spectre.

A key task is servicing the measuring instruments – and they do that even at wind speeds of 230 km/h.  

The large amount of weather data collected here provides clear evidence of climate change. Station manager Piotr Krzaczkowski says: "The average annual temperature on Śnieżka has risen by almost one and a half degrees since 1886. That's a lot."

The measurements from the station are evaluated together with those from more than 8000 other meteorological centers worldwide by the World Meteorological Organization. The data plays an important role in scientific findings on climate change and in predictions for agriculture, irrigation and the management of water resources.

Head shot of a woman (Marta Thor)
Marta Thor Freelance journalist specializing in Polish–German relations