The Nordic region has been hit by a cold wave, with Finland and Sweden recording their lowest temperatures on Tuesday, dropping to -40 degrees Celsius.
The cold and snow has disrupted transport across the region, with Norway’s main highways in the south closed due to the weather and ferry companies suspended.
Sweden’s railway operator said the cold wave had caused serious problems for rail traffic north of the Arctic Circle.
Sweden reported its coldest January night in 25 years, reaching -43.6C in the far north. This is Sweden’s coldest January temperature since 1999.
In January 1999, Sweden recorded a temperature of -49 degrees Celsius (-56.2 degrees Fahrenheit), tying the record set in 1951.
The Swedish Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology reported temperatures of -30C in several places in northern Sweden and issued a snow and wind warning for south-central Sweden.
The second highest alert applies from midnight until Wednesday.
In neighboring Finland, the northwestern town of Ilibieska set its coldest winter record, with temperatures dropping to -37.8 degrees Celsius early Tuesday.
Forecasters said temperatures will drop below -40C in some parts of the country throughout this week.
Temperatures in Finland’s capital Helsinki were expected to hover between -15C and -20C.
(Input from AP)