‘Zero-Degree Line’ Rises To Record Height As Heatwave Continues In Europe

Switzerland’s MeteoSuisse reported another measure of record summer heat Monday when its weather balloon climbed to a record-high 17,400 feet before reaching what it calls the zero-degree line. UPI reports: The zero-degree line, which is the altitude at which the temperature falls below freezing, is considered a key meteorological marker, particularly in mountainous regions, has been climbing and set a record in 2022. “The Payerne, [Switzerland] radiosounding this night from August 20 to 21, 2023 measured the 0C isothermal 5,298 meters, which is a record since the start of measurements in 1954,” MeteoSuisse said in a translated social media post.

The weather service said the zero-degree line “affects vegetation, the snow line and the water cycle so has a considerable impact on the habitats of humans, animals and plants alike.” The zero-degree line averaged 8,432 feet from 1991 to 2020, with a high of about 13,123 feet in the summer. “Anthropogenic climate change has caused the altitude of the zero-degree line to rise significantly in every season,” MeteoSuisse said.