Spring is a great time to travel due to nice weather. It is a perfect season to visit Europe and discover the most beautiful European destination.
The information regarding air quality in Europe during the spring season may be helpful for people to decide when the best time for travel is.
Unlike in some Asia countries where spring begins in early February and continues until early May, spring months in European countries generally include March, April and May.
For different countries or in different years, the starting date of spring varies according to local cultures and customs. For an example, the first day of spring is the astronomical vernal equinox (varying between 19 and 21 March) in Germany.
(Figure 1. Air pollution in Europe in early March 2018. Source: Berkeley Earth)
In this post, air pollution across Europe in March and April 2018 was briefly overviewed, covering the transitional period from winter to spring and early spring in Europe. The Real-Time Map of Air Pollution was used to demonstrate the levels and patterns of air pollution.
In early March, near pan-European air pollution was frequently evident, with unhealthy levels of air pollution in a large number of areas (Figure1, marked with red or brown colour).
(Figure 2. Air pollution in Europe after spring started. Source: Berkeley Earth)
Since March 20 when spring started, air pollution in Europe seemed to be improved. The near pan-European air pollution was occasionally evident, and the areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution were also reduced significantly (Figure 2), possibly due to climate change and decreased demand for coal-fired power for heating.
From March 30 to April 6, 2018, air quality was quite good in most areas across Europe (Figure 3), possibly due to that seasonal winds had driven away most of the air pollutants. Air pollutant emissions may not be much reduced.
(Figure 3. Air pollution in Europe in early April 2018, Source: Berkeley Earth)
The effects of seasonal winds on air quality was further supported by the significantly varied air-pollution patterns observed in Europe in the mid and late April (Figure 4). Unlike in the March, persistently harmful air pollution became limited in eastern Europe in the April. Instead, air pollution emissions floated around Europe day-to-day. Overall, air pollution was improving there in early spring.
(Figure 4. Air pollution in Europe in the mid and late April. Adapted from Berkeley Earth under its policy of reuse)
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