Winter in Europe is not letting up. Half a meter of snow and -41 degrees Celsius
Not only do Finland and Sweden record the lowest temperatures this winter, but they also struggle with heavy snowfall. In Helsinki, the roads are covered with up to 50 cm of snow.
Europe has recently been struggling with a severe winter attack. In Germany, snowfall, strong winds and frost led to traffic paralysis – hundreds of flights were canceled and more were delayed. In turn, several dozen centimeters of snow fell in Finland and Sweden, which also makes life difficult for residents.
Winter attack in Finland and Sweden
Extreme winter weather has caused transport disruptions in Finland, Sweden and Norway. Snow paralyzed rail traffic and ferry sailings were suspended.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, thermometers in Finland and Sweden showed down to -40 degrees Celsius in some places. Both Scandinavian countries have recorded their lowest temperatures so far this winter. In the village of Nikkaluokta in northern Sweden, inhabited by the indigenous Sami, the temperature reached -41.6 degrees Celsius on Tuesday morning, according to SVT television.
“This is the coldest temperature we have experienced this winter, and it will continue to be hot in the north,” said SVT meteorologist Nils Holmqvist.
-40 degrees Celsius in Scandinavia
According to the Swedish news agency TT, the temperature in Kvikkjokk-Årrenjarka in Swedish Lapland dropped to -43.6 degrees Celsius on Wednesday – the lowest January temperature recorded in Sweden in 25 years.
The low temperatures followed a warmer-than-usual autumn across much of Europe. After all, the year 2023 was considered the warmest in history. This is widely believed to be related to global warming and climate change, as carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere are currently at their highest level in at least 2 million years.
The cold caused travel disruptions, among others. in Norway, where a major highway in the south was closed due to the weather. In Sweden, train passengers are struggling with difficulties. Authorities in Scandinavian countries issue weather alerts and advise residents to be very careful.
Police in Denmark have urged drivers to avoid unnecessary journeys as wind and snow could make traveling in the north and west of the country dangerous. Several schools in Scandinavia were also closed on Wednesday.
