Scandinavia freezes under record-breaking lows, heavy snowfall shuts Norway schools

Nikkaluokta, a Swedish town located in the Scandinavian Mountains, was one of the places hit hard by the frigid temperatures, dropping to -40.5 degrees Celsius (-40.9 degrees Fahrenheit). As a result, the railway company Vy suspended connections between Kiruna and Luleå due to the prevailing weather conditions.

Meanwhile, in southern Norway, specifically in the municipality of Arendal, snowfall was so intense that up to 70 cm (27.6 inches) accumulated within a day. Weather forecasts predict an additional 40 cm (15.7 inches) of snowfall. Consequently, local authorities decided to close schools and kindergartens. Mail delivery was halted, and garbage collection was also suspended. In the city of Kristiansand, remote work was recommended due to difficult conditions.

Extreme weather conditions aren't only affecting Sweden and Norway. Meteorological services in Sweden and Denmark have issued warnings about expected intense precipitation of wet snow and rain, expected to pair with strong winds. This applies to the Skåne region in the south of Sweden and northern Jutland in Denmark. These conditions could potentially lead to local flooding.

The adverse weather conditions have reached such intensity that ferries operating between Poland and Sweden have been unable to set sail.