Medieval Warm Period

The Medieval Warm Period (MWP), occurring roughly from 950 to 1250 AD, was a time when some regions, particularly in Europe, experienced higher average temperatures than today. This warming likely supported agriculture, allowing for longer growing seasons and population growth. Evidence suggests that the climate was variable, with warmer conditions in certain areas while others may not have benefited as much. The MWP is significant in climate history as it demonstrates natural climate variability, setting the stage for later cooler periods, such as the Little Ice Age, which followed.