Swedish climate researchers led by Zhi-Bo Li have deliberately investigated the transitional seasons of spring and autumn, which have received little attention to date. While most climate studies focus on winter and summer storms, the new analysis shows that storm patterns have changed particularly significantly in spring and autumn. "A storm as strong and long-lasting as Dave used to be rather rare in April. Today, we observe such storms more frequently and they cover greater distances," explains Zhi-Bo Li in a press release. In the past, many storms dissipated over the British Isles, but today they travel as far as Scandinavia.
Spring storm Dave a current example
Storm DAVE, named by the UK Met Office on 2 April 2026, could be a consequence of the changes described in the study. With wind gusts of up to 145 km/h, it swept over the Scottish coasts, triggered eleven-metre-high waves off Denmark and caused massive traffic disruptions across northern Europe. The storm travelled from Ireland via Scotland into the North Sea and then hit western Norway with full force - a path that, according to the researchers from Gothenburg, hardly ever occurred in the first half of the 20th century.
Regional differences depending on the season
The changes are not uniform, but show clear regional and seasonal patterns. In the Arctic north of the 65th parallel, spring storms are becoming stronger, lasting longer and travelling further distances. Over the North Atlantic, more storms form in spring than before, while in the North Pacific, autumn storms have become more intense and last longer. These regional differences make it clear that climate change influences storm systems in complex ways - with different effects depending on the ocean and season.
Sea ice plays a role
The researchers identify the decline in Arctic sea ice as a possible factor for the increase in storms. Open water can release more heat and moisture into the atmosphere than a layer of ice. The shrinking sea ice also means that storms can take new paths across the Arctic oceans that were previously blocked by ice. These changes in the upper latitudes could have an impact on the paths of low-pressure systems, which are crucial for weather patterns in Europe.
Transfers are at risk
For water sports enthusiasts in northern European waters, the findings mean that Storms at the start of the season could be more frequent and more intense in future than in the past. The traditional "closed season" in spring, when storms were less frequent, appears to be changing. Anyone planning Easter cruises or spring passages should pay particular attention to weather forecasts. The research was published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres under the title "All-Season Analysis of Extratropical and Arctic Cyclones Over the Northern Hemisphere Oceans During 1940-2024" published.
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Hauke Schmidt
Test & Technology editor
