UV radiation increases across Europe due to declining cloud cover

An analysis of 40 meteorological stations across Europe, spanning from southern Spain to northern Finland, reveals a significant increase in UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface. Between 2013 and 2022, 26 of the 40 studied locations saw annual increases in UV-B doses—the type responsible for skin erythema—ranging from 0.46% to 2.62% per year. This represents a cumulative increase of approximately 26% over the decade.

Researchers indicate that this trend is not primarily driven by changes in the ozone layer, as ozone fluctuations were too minimal to account for the rise. Instead, the primary cause is a decrease in cloud cover across the European continent, leading to more direct sunlight and longer periods of exposure.

In Poland, measurements from Belsk na Mazowszu showed an average annual UV dose increase of 0.66%. While increased UV radiation can contribute to soil moisture loss and evaporation, experts from IMGW note that it is not the direct cause of hydrological droughts, which are driven by a complex balance of precipitation, temperature, and river replenishment.