Severe Cold Spell Strands Tourists in Lapland
As a harsh cold snap grips Finland’s Lapland, thousands of travelers find themselves stranded. Recent extreme weather has led to the grounding of flights at Kittila airport, disrupting winter vacations for holidaymakers hoping to return to destinations like London, Bristol, Manchester, Paris, and Amsterdam.
Flight Cancellations Amid Bitter Cold
On Sunday, departures from Kittila airport were completely halted, with temperatures not rising above -35°C. Unfortunately, this trend is set to continue, as Finland’s meteorological agency forecasts lows of -39°C for Monday. This situation has already resulted in the cancellation of the first flight out of Kittila.
Challenges Faced by Airports
The extreme cold presents a multitude of challenges, particularly when it comes to de-icing aircraft. Additionally, maintenance and refueling machinery are at risk of freezing, compounding the problem. According to Finavia, the airport operator, moisture in the air is adding to the difficulties by creating slippery frost on the ground.
Weather Norms in Finnish Lapland
While Lapland is typically associated with cold weather and snow, Finnish Lapland generally experiences a winter average temperature of around -14°C, with occasional dips to -30°C, as reported by the national tourism board. The Kittila airport primarily caters to visitors heading to nearby ski resorts or hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. For those seeking a more festive experience, Rovaniemi airport, located further south, serves as the gateway to Santa Claus’s renowned home.
Travel Disruptions Beyond the Airport
The biting cold has also rendered road travel dangerous. Fintraffic has issued warnings about icy conditions throughout the region. On Sunday morning, a bus carrying Ukrainian passengers skidded off the road and into a ditch, though thankfully, no serious injuries were reported, according to local police.
Impact of the Cold on Europe
This unusual cold in Lapland coincides with a storm sweeping through northern Europe, causing severe winter conditions and travel chaos in countries such as the UK, France, and Germany. The storm has claimed lives, including a man who was killed when a tree fell on his caravan in England. Meanwhile, approximately 100,000 homes in France experienced power outages on Saturday.
Conclusion
The severe cold spell in Finnish Lapland is creating significant disruptions for both travelers and local commuters. With predictions of even more frigid temperatures, it remains crucial for those in the area to stay informed about travel conditions and safety measures.
Key Takeaways:
- Thousands of tourists are stranded in Lapland due to severe cold and flight cancellations.
- Kittila airport is facing challenges with de-icing planes and maintaining equipment in extreme temperatures.
- Travel conditions are hazardous on the roads, highlighting the broader impacts of this cold snap across northern Europe.
- The unusual winter weather is affecting not just Finland, but also neighboring countries such as the UK and France.