Temperature changes in Europe 1935-1975; mean annual change

Surface air temperature changes January-December 1935-1975 estimated as the difference between the simple 11yr means for the periods 1930-1940 and 1970-1980. Longitudes and latitudes are indicated along the axis of the diagram.

Year

The period 1935-1975 is generally recognised in Europe as a period of widespread cooling following the temperature peak reached 1930-1940. The cooling was, indeed, widespread, but an area extending from north of the Black Sea towards central Europe and the western Mediterranean experienced little net change, or even slight warming. The cooling was most pronounced in Finland and in Iceland.