From Iceland — Meteorologists Predict: No Snow For Christmas

Meteorologists Predict: No Snow For Christmas

Published December 7, 2016

Andie Sophia Fontaine
Photo by
Gabrielle Motola

By all indications, last winter’s fluffy snowy wonderland will not be paying us another visit; at least, not in time for Christmas.

“There’s just no cold in the cards for us,” meteorologist Árni Sigurðsson told Vísir. “I don’t know if one can say it with certainty, but as it stands, there is more of a chance than not that it will be a red Christmas,” the Icelandic term used to indicate a Christmas without snow.

December has already been unseasonably warm, in keeping with the slightly higher temperatures Iceland has been experiencing through the autumn. The average temperature recorded for this month so far is 7.42°C, which is 6.41°C warmer than average December temperatures from 1961 to 1990.

However, bear in mind that Iceland’s weather is notoriously mercurial; we may have some of the best meteorologists in the world, but even they can be fooled by Mother Nature.

In more immediate news, the weather forecast for the coming weekend shows temperatures in the low-to-mid single digits, increasing wind speeds, and very strong chances of rain or sleet showers.

Support The Reykjavík Grapevine!
Buy subscriptions, t-shirts and more from our shop right here!

Show Me More!