Severe Weather Traps Many Travelers in Northern Europe
Many travelers are currently stuck in the northernmost region of Europe, specifically in a part of Finland known as Lapland. The severe cold has made travel impossible, grounding flights at the region's primary airport.
Chilling Temperatures Cancel Flights
Such an intense cold snap has made it impossible for planes to leave Lapland's busiest airport. The freezing temperatures have not risen above -35C, leading to the cancellation of all flights. Travelers were due to return to cities across the globe, including destinations like London, Bristol, Manchester, Paris, and Amsterdam. Unfortunately, these plans had to be put on hold due to the intense cold.
It appears that the situation is not expected to improve in the immediate future. The cold is forecasted to drop even further, reaching a low of -39C. The first flight that was supposed to leave the airport has already been canceled due to this weather forecast.
Extreme Cold Affects Airport Operations
The extreme cold is not only affecting the planes, but it is also causing issues with the airport's maintenance and refuelling equipment. The metal parts can freeze in such low temperatures, making it impossible to service and fuel the planes. De-icing the planes has also been a challenge due to the extreme cold.
The airport operator has stated that the situation is being made even worse due to the moisture in the air. This moisture is creating slippery frost, making the airport conditions even more hazardous.
Lapland's Cold Weather
While Lapland, which stretches across northern Norway, Sweden, and Finland, is known for its cold and snowy conditions, the current temperatures are far below the winter average. Finnish Lapland typically experiences a winter average temperature of -14C, with occasional dips to -30C. These temperatures are a far cry from the current -35C being experienced.
The airport predominantly serves individuals wishing to visit nearby ski resorts and those hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Another airport further south serves as the official entry point for visitors to Santa Claus's mythical home.
Current Situation
The first local flight that was scheduled to arrive at the airport on Monday was also canceled, with international flights delayed. The severe weather has made the roads in the region extremely dangerous, with icy conditions causing numerous accidents.
One such incident involved a bus full of Ukrainian passengers that drove into a ditch. Thankfully, no severe injuries were reported from this incident. The unusual cold in Lapland is part of a larger weather system that is causing travel disruption across northern Europe, including the UK, France, and Germany.
In England, a man tragically lost his life when a tree fell on his caravan. Additionally, approximately 100,000 homes in France were left without power on Saturday due to the severe weather.