Northern Europe, known for its cool summers, is suffering from an unprecedented heatwave this year.
According to the British Guardian on the 2nd (local time), a weather station in the Arctic Circle of Norway recorded temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius for 13 days in July, while Finland experienced three consecutive weeks of temperatures over 30 degrees. This marks the longest heatwave since 1961, extending 50% longer than previous records.
The Norwegian Meteorological Institute reported that at least one of the three Nordic countries experienced over 30-degree days for at least 12 days throughout July. In northern Sweden, Haparanda recorded a 14-day streak of heat, while Jokkmokk experienced a 15-day streak. Experts noted that “such heatwaves can only be found in records from 100 years ago.”
In mid-July, the entire Nordic region was engulfed in temperatures 8 to 10 degrees higher than average due to warm seawater and a high-pressure system in northern Norway’s waters. Subsequently, storms, lightning, and wildfires followed. In Finland, emergency rooms were overwhelmed by the heatwave, and ice rinks were opened to the public. Reindeer herders warned about the dire situation for animals at risk of dying.
Tourists visiting Northern Europe faced heatwave warnings instead of experiencing a ‘coolcation.’ Experts warned that such extreme heatwaves result from global warming and that existing infrastructure is inadequate for response. The Finnish Meteorological Institute stated, “In the future, heatwaves will occur more frequently, last longer, and be more severe.”