Olympic town warms as climate change affects Winter Games

Cortina experienced unseasonably warm February weather with daytime temperatures near 40°F (4.5°C), and officials say climate change has made such warmth more likely while organizers monitor conditions for the 2026 Winter Games.

Cortina d'Ampezzo recorded unseasonably warm weather at the start of the 2026 Winter Games, with daytime temperatures near 40°F (4.5°C) and visible snow melt on rooftops. Spectators and athletes noted lighter clothing than expected. Climate Central meteorologist Shel Winkley said this type of February warmth is at least three times more likely now because of climate change, and that February temperatures in Cortina have risen about 6.4°F (3.6°C) over roughly 70 years. Organizers are working with regional weather agencies to track conditions closely because variable winter weather affects event planning and safety. Key facts: - Daytime temperatures reached about 40°F (4.5°C) in Cortina and snow was melting from rooftops during the Games. - Shel Winkley said February warmth like this is at least three times more likely due to climate change, and February temperatures in Cortina have climbed about 6.4°F (3.6°C) in seven decades. - The Milan-Cortina organizing committee is coordinating with four regional and provincial weather agencies, has placed sensors near competition sites, and uses on-site observers to collect snow data. - Officials say higher temperatures, humidity and wind can affect Alpine snow layers, ice quality at indoor venues and sliding centers, visibility, and fairness in events such as the biathlon. - The International Olympic Committee has said it could move the start date for future Winter Games from February to January because of rising temperatures. Summary: Officials report unseasonably warm conditions in Cortina during the Winter Games and attribute the increased likelihood of such warmth to climate change. Organizers are monitoring weather and using sensors and observers to manage conditions, and the IOC has announced it could consider moving future Winter Games to January; further scheduling decisions were not announced.