The frigid weather caused transport disruptions in Finland, Sweden and Norway, with snow making train traffic difficult and ferry services suspended.
advertisementTemperatures in Finland and Sweden plunged below -40 degrees Celsius in some areas on Tuesday, as the two Scandinavian countries reported their coldest temperatures so far this winter.
Temperatures reached -41.6 degrees Celsius (-41.6 degrees Celsius) early Tuesday morning in the village of Nikkaluokta in northern Sweden, home to the Sami indigenous people, Swedish broadcaster SVT reported.
“Temperatures are the coldest so far this winter and will continue to be quite cold in the north,” SVT meteorologist Nils Holmqvist said.
The sub-zero temperatures occurred after a warmer-than-average autumn in many parts of Europe, and came as 2023 was reported as the warmest year on record. This is widely believed to be linked to global warming and climate change, as atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations are currently at their highest levels in at least two million years.
Finland and Sweden are currently experiencing a cold spell, including in Norway, where travel is disrupted, with major motorways in the south closed and ferry companies suspended due to the weather.
In Sweden, train operators said rail traffic north of the Arctic Circle was also experiencing serious problems.
A winter warning is expected to remain in south-central Sweden through Wednesday, with authorities warning of snow and wind.
In Finland, authorities have warned that temperatures will drop below -40 degrees Celsius throughout this week.