Understand the natural and climate risks affecting your property and prepare for the future with our risk assessments.
People in Austria may experience increased risks from heat waves, heavy precipitation, landslide and other hazards due to climate change over the next 30 years. These risks, through 2050 and beyond, may change depending on how much we reduce emissions in the near future.
Projected increase in average summer temperatures by 2050
Extremely hot days annually by 2050 (compared to fewer than 5 days in 1991-2000)
Projected increase in the intensity of heavy rainfall events by 2050
Properties at risk of extreme weather events by 2050
These projections are based on the widely-accepted RCP4.5 climate scenario, which represents a moderate emissions pathway – with greenhouse gas emissions expected to peak around 2040 and then gradually decline, leading to stabilized concentrations by the end of the century. Our analysis uses advanced climate models, high-resolution satellite data, and machine learning algorithms to provide accurate predictions.
Austria’s diverse geography drives regionally specific natural and climate risks. Alpine regions in the west and south (e.g., Tyrol, Vorarlberg, Carinthia) are increasingly vulnerable to glacial melt, landslides, and flash flooding from intense rainfall events. In contrast, the eastern and northeastern lowlands (such as Vienna, Lower Austria, and Burgenland) are more exposed to rising temperatures, prolonged heatwaves, and increasing drought and water stress. Our property-specific analysis takes these important regional variations into account.
CLIMATIG Score Risk Ratings measure the risk posed by a hazard on a 0-100 scale, based on historical conditions and future projections through 2050. While a lower score indicates reduced risk, it does not mean zero exposure - climate change has complex, interacting local and large-scale effects that impact everyone.
Heatwaves in Austria are becoming increasingly frequent, prolonged and intense as a result of climate change. Rising temperatures pose a growing risk to health, wellbeing, and overall quality of life, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Summer temperatures are expected to increase the most, with projections for the period 2041-2070 indicating a rise of approximately 3-4°C compared to the reference period (1961-1990). While Austria has historically had a moderate climate, this sharp warming trend significantly increases the risk of heat-related impacts on people, infrastructure, and property.
When intensive rainfall occurs in a short period, water systems can be overwhelmed, leading to erosion and damaging floods. These events are particularly dangerous after prolonged drought periods when soil has reduced water absorption capacity.
Regional and seasonal patterns are shifting: while winters may become wetter, summers are likely to become drier, especially in the east and southeast. At the same time, the intensity and frequency of heavy precipitation events are increasing, particularly in Alpine and urban regions, raising the risk of flash floods, landslides and stormwater overflow in cities across Austria.
Austria’s mountainous terrain makes it naturally prone to landslides, and climate change is intensifying this risk. Increased temperatures lead to faster snowmelt and thawing of permafrost in Alpine regions, which destabilizes slopes.
At the same time, more frequent and intense heavy rainfall events contribute to soil saturation and erosion, triggering landslides more often. This is particularly relevant for western and southern regions such as Tyrol, Vorarlberg, Salzburg, and Carinthia, where settlements, roads, and railways are exposed to growing geohazard risks. Ongoing urban development in these areas further amplifies vulnerability.
Austria is expected to experience more frequent and intense storm events, especially during transitional seasons (spring and autumn). Convective storms, thunderstorms, and severe wind gusts can cause damage to buildings, power lines, and forests, particularly in the north and northeast, including regions like Upper Austria and Lower Austria.
Intense rainfall events and snowmelt are expected to increase river flood risks, particularly along major rivers like the Danube, Inn, Mur, and Enns. Urban centers and transport corridors near these rivers are especially vulnerable.
Climate stress, including higher temperatures, drought, and increased pest outbreaks (like bark beetles), is weakening Austria’s forests—especially in lower and mid-altitude zones. This increases the risk of wildfires, particularly during dry summers, and affects forest-based industries and biodiversity.
Especially in eastern and southeastern Austria (e.g., Burgenland, Lower Austria, parts of Styria), summers are projected to become significantly drier. Reduced summer rainfall, combined with higher evaporation rates due to warming, increases the risk of seasonal droughts, stressing agriculture, water supply systems, and ecosystems.
Austria’s varied geography means these risks differ significantly between alpine and eastern areas. Our analysis identifies locations with the highest risk levels.
Climate adaptation measures can help protect your property and investment from increasing climate risks.
As temperatures rise, protecting your property from heat becomes increasingly important.
Flooding from extreme rainfall events can cause significant property damage.
Landslides pose a severe threat to buildings, potentially causing them to become structurally compromised, destabilized, or vulnerable to collapse.
Climate risks are increasingly factored into property valuations and insurance premiums. Properties with high exposure to heat waves, flooding, or wind damage may face:
Having a detailed risk assessment helps you make informed decisions, negotiate better insurance terms, and implement targeted adaptation measures to protect your investment.
