European energy observers warn that a sharper cold spell could rekindle the region’s energy crisis, even after a relatively forgiving winter. Forecasters say lower average temperatures will push up demand for natural gas, a scenario analysts at Maxar Technologies Inc. highlighted in notes cited by Bloomberg News.
Until recently, weather across Europe had been milder than average, allowing many countries to reduce draw from local gas storage facilities. Yet, as forecasts turn cooler, the balance could shift and gas stocks may face renewed pressure.
Experts say Western Europe should brace for a colder spell next week, with a likely rise in natural gas consumption. London is expected to run about 3°C below the seasonal norm on Monday, Paris roughly 5.2°C under the average, and Madrid around 7°C below its typical level on Tuesday.
Forecasts also point to unsettled conditions across northern Germany, including snow in several areas. Snowstorms could affect southern parts of the country as well as parts of the United Kingdom, while the European Alps are forecast to see fresh snowfall too. These weather patterns could influence energy use, transport logistics, and regional power markets in the coming days.
In a broader assessment, Fatih Birol, president of the International Energy Agency (IEA), has noted that Europe has not yet won the energy battle in relation to Russia. Although this winter’s warmer weather helped European economies cope with energy demand, a sustained cold snap could pose renewed challenges for the European Union in the months ahead, underscoring the vulnerability of gas-dependent systems and the need for continued vigilance in energy strategy and storage management. (Bloomberg News, citing Maxar forecasts; IEA commentary, 2025)