Record-breaking frost grips Finland and Sweden, causing havoc and grabbing global attention
Strenuous frost has impacted Finland and other locations in the Nordic region. The global media have highlighted these record-low temperatures, notes the Helsinki newspaper, "Iltalehti". The most severe cold was documented in Sweden, where on Tuesday, temperatures plummeted to minus 42 degrees Celsius (minus 43.6 degrees Fahrenheit). This record was set in the town of Nikkaluokta.
7:54 AM EST, January 3, 2024
Agencies reporting on the Nordic frost include Sky News, the American magazine "Forbes", and the Associated Press - the Finnish newspaper reported. The latter mentioned that the coldest record in Finland was registered on Tuesday in the northwestern city of Ylivieska. Thermometers exhibited minus 37.8 Celsius (minus 36 degrees Fahrenheit).
Per the latest forecast, relentless frost will linger in Finland until at least the weekend. The frost in some parts of the country might dip below 40 degrees Celsius (minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit). Yet, milder temperatures are expected in Finland's capital. According to the Associated Press, Helsinki temperatures will likely range around minus 15-20 degrees Celsius (5 - minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit).
The Finnish police have reported fires and other incidents triggered by the existing weather conditions - "Iltalehti" reports. The severe cold prompts many to utilize additional heating sources, such as radiators or fireplaces. A building in the northern region of Ostrobothnia encountered a fire in its external wall structure induced by prolonged fireplace usage.
In another incident, a cracked fireplace resulted in a roof fire. The Lapland police disclosed a building fire initiated by a backup heater. The frost has also resulted in water pipe damage in numerous residences in Finland.
