The Icelandic settlement of Bakkagerði in the eastern part of the country experienced an extraordinary weather event on December 25, 2023. Thermometers there showed as much as 19.7 degrees Celsius[3] shortly after 2 AM, setting a new historic temperature record for Christmas Day. The previous record, which was 13.7 degrees, was recorded at the Suðurnes lighthouse in 2005, marking an increase of over 6 degrees.
Record Temperatures on Christmas
Also, the day before, December 24, Iceland broke the warmest day record[1] in the history of this holiday. In the town of Seyðisfjörður, the temperature reached 19.2 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous record of 15.9 degrees from 2006, recorded in Skjaldþingsstaðir in Vopnafjörður. Moreover, on December 20 in the same Seyðisfjörður, an absolute temperature record was set for the whole month of December – 19.8 degrees, exceeding the earlier record of 19.7 degrees from Kvísker in 2019.
Causes of the Unusual Heat
Meteorologists from the Icelandic Meteorological Office explain[5] that these extraordinarily high temperatures are caused by a powerful high-pressure system located east of Iceland. This system draws warm and humid air from the southern oceanic regions while blocking the inflow of cold air into the area. According to experts from the Icelandic Meteorological Office, the local terrain further enhances the warming effect. Strong winds, combined with the mountainous landscape, create descending air currents that raise air temperature – a phenomenon known as the foehn effect.
Such high temperatures sharply contrast with the typical weather conditions[6] in Iceland during December. The average temperature that month usually ranges between -1 and 4 degrees Celsius. December is traditionally one of the coldest and wettest months, characterized by frequent snowfall and strong, cold winds. These current thermal anomalies thus represent an exceptional event in the climate context of this region.
Contrast with Typical Icelandic Winter
The record temperatures in Iceland fit into a broader context of extreme weather events[8]. While the island experienced almost summer-like conditions, other parts of the continent faced serious challenges. For example, Greece and France suffered from heavy rains and floods that inundated vast areas, while Spain was placed under a weather alert due to freezing temperatures.
These phenomena highlight the growing challenges related to climate instability[7] and the effects of global warming. Iceland’s unusual warming in December 2023 could be one symptom of these changes, which impact weather patterns in various parts of the world. Monitoring and analyzing such anomalies remain crucial for understanding future climate trends and preparing for unpredictable weather conditions.
Extreme Weather Events in Europe
The Icelandic Meteorological Office and local specialists announce further studies[4] into the causes and consequences of these temperature records to better assess their impact on the natural environment and inhabitants’ lives. Meanwhile, residents and tourists in Iceland can experience an unusually mild winter that significantly differs from what they are used to.
Meanwhile, residents and tourists in Iceland may experience an exceptionally mild winter[2]