❄️ Iceland has just experienced its coldest December since 1974, according to weather reports. Temperatures throughout the month were well below average, with some areas seeing highs barely reaching above freezing.

🧊 The cold temperatures were caused by a combination of factors, including a polar vortex that brought freezing air down from the Arctic. This caused widespread snow and ice across the country, leading to treacherous driving conditions and causing flight disruptions at the airport.

🥶 Despite the cold, Icelanders are no strangers to harsh winters and were well prepared for the extreme weather. Many people own specialized winter tires for their vehicles and have experience driving in snowy conditions. The country’s infrastructure is also equipped to handle the cold, with heated roads and sidewalks to melt snow and ice.

❄️Despite these precautions, the cold December did lead to some challenges for the Icelandic people. Some schools and businesses were forced to close due to the weather, and there were power outages in some areas due to the strain on the electrical grid.

Despite the difficulties, the cold December has also brought some benefits. The snow and ice have created beautiful winter landscapes, drawing tourists to the country to experience the unique beauty of an Icelandic winter. And with the extra snowfall, ski resorts in the country are expecting a strong season.

Overall, while the cold December was a challenge for Iceland, the country and its people are well equipped to handle extreme weather and will come out stronger because of it.

🛰️📷️ Picture from Copernicus EU’s Sentinel 3 satellite captured this rare almost cloud free white snow-land on 1st of January #iceland #geography #winter #snow