Funky Fall Nordic Weather

Posted by Lisa Sabol-Sikorski Dec 10, 2006

Weather reports in Europe these days abound with news about how this autumn is the warmest autumn in hundreds of years. The United Nations' World Meteorological Organization says that temperatures across Europe are up to five degrees warmer than normal. Northern Europe is included in this warming trend. Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland are having an unseasonably warm autumn. It has been raining a lot, with temperatures hovering in the 40s F (between 5 – 10 Celsius), which is quite warm this time of year for the Nordic countries. Even in the northernmost reaches of Scandinavia, like Swedish and Finnish Lapland and Tromso, Norway, there is no snow in the forecast or on the ground, with only rain predicted in the near future! Very unusual, indeed. Not so good for Nordic skiing, but perfect for taking a sauna, in my opinion. Scandinavians and Finns of all stripes have been griping about the grey skies that have been blanketing the region for about two months, which only compounds the darkness that comes with the incredibly short days this time of year.

How to pack for the unpredictable weather this winter on your next trip to Northern Europe? Check the weather forecast before you leave, but don’t be married to it. Northern European weather can change dramatically even in the course of one day, so bring a range of cold weather and lighter weight clothing with you. Of course, don’t forget an umbrella, raincoat, and shoes that can withstand water!

The official start of winter is on December 22, but I hope that the cold, clear days of Nordic winter come soon to chase away the dreary grey skies of our damp, dreary autumn.