A brutal record-shattering heat wave settled in over the Nordic nations, breaking all-time temperature records. The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute has been reporting high temperatures, with maximum temperature recently in the range of 32-33 degrees Celsius. Even worse, this life-threatening heat wave has lasted more than two weeks, with more extreme heat predicted as the weekend draws near.
Swedish meteorologists are expecting temperatures to soar back to 30°C this week in Sweden. Sverker Hellström, a climate scientist at the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute, discussed how notable this was in the historical context. He continued, “To see a longer stretch at these stations, you have to go save more than 100 years.” This is one of the dynamic impacts that highlights how unprecedented this current heatwave truly is.
This extreme and unseasonal weather has not been limited to Sweden. Northern Finland has already endured an unprecedented three-week run of temperatures over 30 degrees. This is the longest such event on record since 1961 when records started. According to the Finnish Meteorological Institute, this year’s heatwave exceeded the record by 50%. Heikki Tuomenvirta, a scientist at the Finnish Meteorological Institute, warned, “As climate change progresses, exceptionally severe heatwaves will intensify,” indicating that these extreme conditions may become more common.
The heatwave has had devastating effects on areas even inside the borders of Norway. One weather station inside the Norwegian Arctic Circle saw temperatures exceed 30 degrees on 13 separate days during July. The present extraordinary heatwave was a record-breaking moment for the area. Record scorching temperatures are attributed to the unusually hot waters off the coast of Norway. A more unusual factor, a persistent area of high pressure, is inverting weather patterns across the region.
Temperatures across the Nordics have jumped as much as 8 to 10 degrees above seasonal norms. Further south, Arctic regions have roasted under the grip of three weeks of temperatures 25 degrees Celsius or higher. With the destruction of permafrost and the melting of sea ice, we have a good handle on some of the outcomes of the warm conditions we’re experiencing.
In Jokkmokk, in neighbouring Lappland, residents have suffered through a historic 15 consecutive days with temperatures above 34°C. The brutal heat is taking a deadly toll. Herders are in a state of panic and report that their reindeer are on the verge of perishing from excessive heat.
“Truly unprecedented heatwave still in full swing with maximum today about 32-33C,” – Mika Rantanen.
That story is still developing as meteorologists track the effects from this emerging heatwave across Northern Europe. Get ready for the hazards summer heat can present! Resilience and equity authorities and communities should be on the frontlines during this unique climatic disaster.