Finland and Sweden have recorded their coldest temperatures this winter as a cold spell grips the Nordic region
HELSINKI -- The Nordic region is experiencing a severe cold spell that has brought record-low temperatures, heavy snowfall and disrupted transportation across Finland, Sweden and Norway.
On Tuesday, Finland and Sweden recorded their coldest temperatures of the winter, with thermometers dropping as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius (minus 40 Fahrenheit) in some areas.
In Nikkaluokta, a small village inhabited by indigenous Sami people in northern Sweden, the temperature reached minus 41.6 degrees C (minus 42.8 F) early Tuesday, according to Swedish public broadcaster SVT.
“It’s the coldest temperature we have had so far this winter, and it will continue to be quite cold weather in the north,” SVT meteorologist Nils Holmqvist said.
The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) reported temperatures of minus 30 C (minus 22 F) in several locations in northern Sweden, and issued a warning for snow and wind for central and southern Sweden. Its second-highest warning level applies from midnight into Wednesday, meaning that the weather could pose danger to the public, cause major damage and disrupt vital services.
In neighboring Finland, this winter’s cold record was recorded in the northwestern town of Ylivieska, where temperatures fell to minus 37.8 C (minus 36 F) early Tuesday, according to the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI).
The FMI said that temperatures would remain below minus 40 C in parts of the country through the week, and advised people to dress warmly and avoid prolonged exposure to the cold.
Temperatures in the Finnish capital, Helsinki, were expected to hover between minus 15 and minus 20 C (around zero F), while in the northernmost town of Utsjoki, the mercury could dip to minus 45 C (minus 49 F).
The cold and snow also disrupted transportation throughout the region, including in Norway, where a major highway in the south was closed due to the weather and ferry lines suspended operations.
In the southern Norway town of Arendal, officials said schools would be closed Wednesday because it wasn't possible to clear the sidewalks in time for children to get to school.
Several ferry companies throughout the region canceled crossings, including those from southern Norway to Denmark, where a key bridge was closed to vehicles with light trailers because of strong winds, Danish officials said.
The cold spell is expected to ease slightly by the end of the week, but the Nordic region will still face below-average temperatures for the rest of January, according to forecasters.