Winter chill coming to Europe will challenge energy systems

Long-range outlooks point toward a higher probability of cooler-than-average conditions over most of the continent.

A milder-than-normal autumn allowed utilities to refill their gas tanks, and the first prolonged cold spell will stress that storage. Photographer: Damian Lema

Temperatures across Europe likely will plummet this month after a relatively mild November, and the heightened pressure on natural-gas supplies will test the region’s fragile energy networks.

Long-range outlooks from Maxar Technologies Inc. and Marex point toward a higher probability of cooler-than-average conditions over most of the continent. Cold air will be blowing from the Arctic for at least the first part of the month because of a weather pattern known as blocking.