Nordic countries are experiencing unprecedented heat

• Norway and Finland have experienced prolonged heat waves.
• Temperatures exceeded 30°C in Norway and 25°C in Sweden.
• The heat wave caused problems with infrastructure in the Nordic countries.

The Nordic countries are experiencing unprecedented heat, as temperatures in some regions exceed 30°C. In Norway, parts of the Arctic region have seen temperatures remain above 30°C for 12 consecutive days in July. In Finland, the heat wave lasted three weeks, marking the longest period since 1961.

Climatologist Mika Rantanen from the Finnish Meteorological Institute stated that temperatures reached a maximum of 32-33°C. He also reported that even in the Arctic, temperatures exceeded 25°C for three consecutive days and could break September records.

The Norwegian Meteorological Institute predicts that temperatures will again reach 30°C this weekend. In Sweden, meteorologists note prolonged heat waves: one station in Haparanda recorded 25°C for 14 consecutive days.

This heat wave has been fueled by warm waters near the northern coastline of Norway and a persistent anticyclone, which has led to temperature increases of 8-10°C above seasonal norms. The region also faced the impact of thunderstorms and lightning, which caused forest fires.

The heat wave has become unbearable for people in parts of the continent, which are better suited to a colder climate. Researchers warn that countries like the United Kingdom, Norway, and Switzerland will face the largest relative increases in days with unusually high temperatures due to climate change.

In the middle of the heat wave in northern Finland, a local store opened its doors for people looking for relief from the heat, as local facilities were overwhelmed. On Thursday, shepherds warned of threats to reindeer due to the high temperatures.

Tags: Europe/Weather