Jubilee Post News & Views
Dr. Seema Javed
The influence of climate change caused intense heat waves in historically cool nations of Sweden, Norway, and Finland. Temperatures surpassed 30°C for several consecutive days in July in parts of Finland, Norway, and Sweden — a highly unusual occurrence for this part of Europe. The hot weather took people by surprise in a region better adapted to cold. Cold Nordic countries are facing “truly unprecedented” heat, as hot weather, strengthened and lengthened by climate change, continues in northern Europe.
Blistering heat swept northern Europe in mid-July, driven by warm waters off the Norwegian coast and a persistent area of high pressure that pushed temperatures in the Nordics 8–10°C above seasonal norms. The region has also since been hit by storms and lightning strikes that sparked wildfires. Hospitals were overflowing with people affected by the heatwaves.
“As climate change progresses, exceptionally severe heat waves will intensify,” said Heikki Tuomenvirta, a scientist at the Finnish Meteorological Institute. “They are occurring more frequently, are more severe, and last longer.”
Finland experienced 22 consecutive days with temperatures above 30°C in July — the country’s longest heatwave on record. In Norway’s North Trøndelag county, where summer averages are usually around 13–18°C, temperatures exceeded 30°C for 13 days. In Sweden, the municipalities of Haparanda and Jokkmokk last month saw heatwave conditions for 14 and 15 consecutive days, respectively. Heatwaves this long had not been recorded there in more than 100 years.
A rapid attribution study by the World Weather Attribution group found that the relentless and unusual heatwave was 2°C hotter and at least ten times more likely because of climate change. Scientists say it is the longest streak in records going back to 1961, and 50% longer than the previous record.
“Truly unprecedented heat wave still in full swing, with maximum today about 32–33°C,” said Mika Rantanen, a climate scientist at the Finnish Meteorological Institute, in a social media post.
“Climate change is fundamentally reshaping the world we live in,” said Clair Barnes, Researcher at the Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, and one of the study’s authors. “Cold-climate countries like Norway, Sweden, and Finland are now experiencing unfamiliar levels of heat, as recently seen in strained health systems and sightings of reindeer seeking shade in urban areas.”
Maja Vahlberg, Technical Advisor at the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre and Climate Consultant at the Swedish Red Cross, echoed Barnes’ words, adding: “Our infrastructure was not built to withstand these extreme temperatures, and our aging population is increasingly susceptible to dangerous heat.”
