Nordic countries endure record-breaking heatwave as climate crisis intensifies

Cold northern Europe is grappling with a “truly unprecedented” heatwave, as high temperatures driven by climate change continue to grip the region, pushing infrastructure and ecosystems to the brink.

In the Norwegian Arctic Circle, a weather station recorded temperatures above 30°C (86°F) on 13 days in July. Meanwhile, Finland experienced three consecutive weeks of 30°C heat—marking the longest streak since records began in 1961, and 50% longer than the previous high, The Guardian writes. 

“Truly unprecedented heatwave still in full swing with maximum today about 32–33C,” said Mika Rantanen, a climate scientist at the Finnish Meteorological Institute, in a social media post on Thursday. “Even the Arctic regions … have seen three weeks above 25C, and may rival tomorrow their August heat records.”

According to the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, at least one weather station in each of the country’s three northernmost counties recorded temperatures above 30°C on 12 separate days in July. Although the region experienced a brief reprieve last week as the heat shifted north and east, forecasts predict a return of 30°C temperatures over the weekend. “We have some hot days ahead of us in northern Norway,” the institute stated.

In Sweden, prolonged heat has also taken hold. A weather station in Haparanda reported 14 consecutive days above 25°C, while Jokkmokk in Lappland endured 15 straight days of similar heat.

“To find a longer period at these stations, you have to go back more than a century,” said Sverker Hellström of the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute.

The extreme heat, which began sweeping across northern Europe in mid-July, has been linked to unusually warm sea temperatures off Norway’s northern coast and a persistent area of high pressure. These factors have pushed temperatures in the region 8–10°C above the seasonal average. The heatwave has also triggered thunderstorms and lightning strikes, sparking wildfires across parts of the Nordics.

The unrelenting heat has taken many residents and tourists by surprise. Countries such as Norway, the UK, and Switzerland—traditionally known for cooler climates—are expected to experience the steepest increases in uncomfortably hot days due to global warming. Experts warn that existing infrastructure is not equipped to handle these conditions.

In northern Finland, an ice rink was opened to the public on Wednesday to provide relief after a surge in heat-related illnesses overwhelmed the local hospital’s emergency department, Finnish media reported. Reindeer herders also raised alarms on Thursday, warning that their animals were at risk of dying due to the extreme temperatures.

Tourists seeking refuge from southern Europe's scorching temperatures by traveling north were met instead with dangerous heat advisories. Swedish radio reported that many visitors hoping for “coolcations” were caught off guard by the unexpected conditions.

“As climate change progresses, exceptionally severe heatwaves will intensify,” said Heikki Tuomenvirta, a scientist at the Finnish Meteorological Institute. “They are occurring more frequently, are more severe and last longer.”

By Sabina Mammadli