Irradiance was above average across much of Europe in October 2026, as extended periods of high pressure produced clearer skies and offset several cloudy and unsettled intervals. Conditions were particularly favourable across central Europe and the Baltic States. However, low-pressure systems reduced irradiance in southern France and around the Black Sea, while several damaging autumn storms crossed western Europe, according
to analysis using the Solcast API.
Monthly irradiance was around 10% above the October average across large parts of the continent. The strongest positive anomalies occurred in Czechia, Slovakia and Hungary, where irradiance reached as much as 25% above average. Similarly large percentage increases were recorded in the Baltic States, although shorter daylight hours at these northern latitudes limited average daily irradiance to around 1.3 kWh/m².
Recurring high-pressure systems suppressed cloud formation and produced more settled, sunnier conditions across much of Europe. This pattern was consistent with a positive phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation during September and October, which strengthens the Azores high over the Atlantic, with increased high pressure ridging across Western Europe.
Not all regions fared so well. Irradiance across the southern half of France finished around 5% below average. Ukraine and Moldova were as much as 10% below average. Repeated low-pressure systems and weather fronts brought greater cloud cover and rainfall to the Black Sea area, limiting the amount of sunlight reaching the surface.
Southern France’s irradiance deficit was the result of an accumulation of several factors. Storm Adam in mid-October produced intense rainfall and flash flooding across parts of France, Spain and Corsica.
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