Extreme Cold Snarls Travel Across Europe

Kittilä Airport Plummets to -37°C

Northern Finland, known for its cold winters, is facing an exceptionally harsh deep freeze this year. Kittilä Airport, nestled in the remote Finnish Lapland region, recorded temperatures as low as -37 degrees Celsius. This extreme cold has led to significant disruptions, with flights canceled and thousands of tourists stranded. Forecasts indicate that temperatures will persist around -40 degrees Celsius, prolonging the challenging conditions.

A Continental Cold Snap

The deep freeze isn't confined to Finland; it's part of a broader pattern affecting northern, central, and eastern Europe. Heavy snowfall, strong winds, and icy roads have made travel across the continent difficult.

• Germany: Train services were halted in the north due to heavy snowfall, causing long delays and cancellations. Schools in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany's most populous state, will remain closed on Monday due to icy road conditions.
• Baltic Countries: Estonia and Lithuania have advised drivers to avoid unnecessary travel due to expected blizzards. Latvia has issued a snow alert for its western regions.

Testing Resilience and Infrastructure

While Finns are accustomed to cold winters, this year's extreme weather is testing even their resilience. The deep freeze has highlighted the vulnerability of travel infrastructure to sudden weather changes, reminding us that nature can still disrupt our plans.

As temperatures drop, it's crucial for authorities to communicate effectively and for travelers to stay informed and prepared.