Europe braces for winter’s coldest snap with gas reserves in focus: media

Europe is preparing for its coldest snap of the winter, with temperatures expected to plummet at the end of the week as low-pressure systems move across the region.

Cities such as London, Paris, and Berlin are forecast to experience average temperatures below zero on December 27-28, approximately 6 degrees below the 30-year seasonal norm, according to Weather Services International data, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

The UK Met Office predicts snow in the coming days, along with extreme winds and heavy rain.

In Germany, the national forecaster DWD has issued warnings for frost and icy conditions. This sharp cold spell is expected to drive up heating demand, placing pressure on natural gas reserves, which have already fallen below 75 per cent. Gas withdrawals have been faster than usual this year, and the situation is exacerbated by the impending end of the Ukraine-Russia gas transit agreement, pushing European natural gas prices closer to the highs seen earlier this month.

With Russian gas flows dwindling, Europe may become more dependent on liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from the US. However, colder weather in the US is also raising domestic demand for gas, further complicating Europe’s energy situation.

In terms of heating degree days, the UK is projected to have a daily average of 17 for the 6-10 day forecast, 5 above the 10-year norm. Northwest Europe is expected to see a daily average of 18 heating degree days, also 5 above the 10-year norm, while France is forecasted to experience a similar trend with a daily average of 17 heating degree days. The surge in heating demand is set to strain both gas supplies and prices across the continent.

By Vafa Guliyeva