Weather & Climate In Wattens
The climate in Wattens is characterized by mild temperatures in the summer and cold temperatures in the winter. The town is fortunate to be influenced by the Inn River, which helps to moderate the temperature and humidity.
| Month | Average Temperature in Wattens (°C) |
|---|---|
| January | -1 |
| February | 1 |
| March | 5 |
| April | 10 |
| May | 14 |
| June | 17 |
| July | 19 |
| August | 18 |
| September | 15 |
| October | 10 |
| November | 6 |
| December | 1 |
Seasons
Wattens experiences four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The town’s location in the Lower Inn Valley, surrounded by the Karwendel and the Tux Alps mountain ranges, greatly influences the changing seasons. Each season has its own unique set of characteristics, including variations in temperature, precipitation, and sunshine.
- Spring: The spring season in Wattens spans from March to May, serving as a beautiful transition between the cold winter and the warm summer. The temperature increases gradually, starting at around 5°C in March and reaching 14°C in May.The amount of precipitation also increases, going from an average of 50 mm in March to 100 mm in May.There is also an increase in the number of sunshine hours, going from an average of 140 hours in March to 220 hours in May. Spring is a time of growth and renewal, with the melting snow, blooming flowers, and green trees.
- Summer: Summer in Wattens spans from June to August and is characterized by warm temperatures and frequent rainfall.In July, the temperature reaches its peak with an average of 19°C.In June, the precipitation reaches its peak, averaging 120 mm.In July, the sunshine hours reach their peak, averaging around 220 hours. Summer is a season characterized by a delightful combination of sunshine and showers. The warm and humid air from the Mediterranean gracefully collides with the cold and dry air from the Alps, resulting in the mesmerizing spectacle of thunderstorms and rainbows.
- Autumn: The autumn season in Wattens spans from September to November, serving as a bridge between the warmth of summer and the chill of winter.The temperature gradually decreases, going from an average of 15°C in September to 6°C in November.The amount of precipitation also decreases, going from an average of 80 mm in September to 60 mm in November.In September, the average number of sunshine hours is 180, but this decreases to only 70 hours in November. The beauty of autumn lies in its vibrant hues and the gradual transition from warm to cool.
- Winter: Winter in Wattens spans from December to February, representing the coldest and driest season of the year.In January, the temperature drops to its lowest point, averaging around -1°C.In February, the precipitation reaches its lowest point, averaging around 40 mm.In December, the sunshine hours reach their lowest point, averaging around 70 hours. Winter is a season characterized by snow and frost, as the cold and dry air from the north brings about snowfall and clear skies.
Precipitation
Wattens experiences a moderate amount of precipitation, averaging around 900 mm per year. The distribution of precipitation varies throughout the year, with the summer months experiencing higher levels of rainfall, while the winter months tend to be drier. Precipitation primarily occurs as rain, but it can also occur as snow, particularly in higher elevations.The snow cover typically lasts from December to March, with depths of up to 50 cm in the town center and up to 200 cm in the Wattentaler Lizum.
| Month | Average Precipitation in Wattens (mm) |
|---|---|
| January | 50 |
| February | 40 |
| March | 50 |
| April | 60 |
| May | 100 |
| June | 120 |
| July | 110 |
| August | 110 |
| September | 80 |
| October | 60 |
| November | 60 |
| December | 50 |
Sunshine
Wattens enjoys a considerable amount of sunshine, boasting an average of 1,800 hours per year. The distribution of sunshine varies throughout the year, with the summer months being the sunniest, and the winter months being the cloudiest. The town’s location in the valley can lead to fog and inversion in the morning and evening, particularly during the winter, affecting the amount of sunshine. The sunshine is also affected by the presence of mountain ranges, resulting in the formation of shadows and obstruction of sunlight, particularly in the northern regions.
| Month | Average Sunshine Hours in Wattens |
|---|---|
| January | 70 |
| February | 100 |
| March | 140 |
| April | 180 |
| May | 220 |
| June | 220 |
| July | 220 |
| August | 200 |
| September | 180 |
| October | 130 |
| November | 70 |
| December | 70 |
Wind
Wattens experiences a gentle breeze, with an annual average speed of 3 m/s. The distribution of wind varies throughout the year, with the spring months experiencing higher wind speeds, while the summer months tend to be more calm. The wind is affected by the town’s position in the valley, resulting in localized breezes and gusts, particularly during the afternoon and evening. The wind is influenced by the mountain ranges, resulting in the creation of foehn winds and storms, particularly in the southern regions.
| Month | Average Wind in Wattens (m/s) |
|---|---|
| January | 3 |
| February | 3 |
| March | 4 |
| April | 5 |
| May | 4 |
| June | 4 |
| July | 4 |
| August | 4 |
| September | 4 |
| October | 4 |
| November | 3 |
| December | 3 |
Extreme Events
Wattens experiences a range of weather events, including heat waves, cold snaps, floods, droughts, and avalanches. The events in this town are shaped by its unique location in the valley, surrounded by majestic mountain ranges, and impacted by the ongoing global climate change. Here are some of the most notable extreme events that have taken place in Wattens:
- Heat Wave: During July 2019, Wattens endured an unprecedented heat wave, reaching a scorching maximum temperature of 37.5°C on July 25th. The heat wave was a result of a high-pressure system over Europe, which brought in hot and dry air from Africa. The heat wave persisted for several days, resulting in health issues, water scarcity, and wildfires.
- Cold Snap: In February 2012, Wattens endured an intense cold spell, reaching a bone-chilling minimum temperature of -21.7°C on February 6. A low-pressure system over Siberia was responsible for the cold snap, as it brought cold and dry air from Asia. The prolonged cold snap resulted in frostbite, significant traffic disruptions, and widespread power outages.
- Flood: In June 2013, Wattens was hit by a severe flood, reaching a maximum water level of 6.5 m on June 3. The flood was a result of a low-pressure system over Central Europe, which brought intense and continuous rainfall from the Atlantic. The flood persisted for several days, resulting in significant damage, displacement, and loss of life.
- Drought: During August 2018, Wattens faced a significant drought, with only 10 mm of rainfall throughout the month. The drought occurred due to a high-pressure system over Scandinavia, preventing the moist and cool air from the Atlantic from reaching the affected area. For several months, the region was plagued by a relentless drought that resulted in devastating consequences such as crop failures, water restrictions, and forest fires.
- Avalanche: In January 2020, Wattens was hit by a significant avalanche on January 18, with a volume of 500,000 m. The avalanche occurred due to a snowstorm that swept across the Alps, carrying with it a significant amount of heavy and wet snow from the Mediterranean. The avalanche took place in the Wattentaler Lizum, resulting in the burial of a military barracks and causing injuries to multiple soldiers.
