Cold weather dominates June's start
Brace Yourself, Iceland! June's Chilly Surprise
After a sweltering May, June has taken a chilly twist, turning Iceland's summer into a winter wonderland. Snowfall, high winds, and reduced visibility have sparked weather alerts nationwide. Authorities are urging caution, especially for travelers touring the mountains.
For those craving that June sunshine, think again! Photos from Þverárfjall and Fljót showcase the country's unusually wintery landscape.
A blinding storm rampaged through Siglufjörundur Road last night. Screenshot/IRCA
Visibility Fading, Safety Measures in Place
Visibility has noticeably diminished on many roads, and it's expected to worsen. In response, Iceland's National Commissioner of Police, in conjunction with police departments from Northwestern, Northeastern, Eastern, and Southern Iceland, has declared a public safety "uncertainty phase" since last night at 10:00 p.m. Due to predicted northerly winds, officials anticipate these conditions to persist over the upcoming 24 hours.
Their statement reads, " Powerful north winds are due, whipping up dangerous conditions for vehicles, particularly those susceptible to wind. With snow and drifting snow forecasted, road conditions will deteriorate severely, leading to potential road closures, especially in mountainous areas. Vehicles ill-prepared for winter conditions may struggle, and traveling to mountainous areas is strongly discouraged until the weather clears."
The statement also hints at flooding and landslides in the northern regions as a result of the rapidly changing weather.
Take a peek at our wind forecast at 6:00 a.m. today. Map/The Icelandic Meteorological Office
Snowfall in Lowlands, Rain On the Horizon
According to Meteorologist Birgir Örn Hoskuldsson from the Icelandic Meteorological Office, the unpredictable weather isn't entirely surprising.
"It's snowing heavily," Hoskuldsson said last night. "We've got snow in Fljót, a lowland area on Tröllaskagi Peninsula. The road in Ólafsfjörður is turning grey with snow, and there's significant accumulation on Öxnadalsheiði. All this aligns with our forecasts."
Snowfall is projected to continue through the night and into tomorrow morning.
"The coldest air mass will arrive tonight and linger until morning," he added. "By tomorrow, precipitation will transition to rain, although the weather will remain bleak. As temperatures rise, wind speeds will intensify, and the mixture of rain and fresh snow may cause additional complications."
May Heatwave in Iceland – A Relict of the Past
While we're on the subject of Iceland's unpredictable weather patterns, you may wonder, "What's with this dramatic swing?" Well, Iceland experienced a significant heatwave in May 2025, breaking temperature records and leaving everyone questioning the island's temperament.
Temperature Records
During May 6 to May 15 and an extended period of unusual warmth from May 13 to May 22, temperatures reached record highs. The highest recorded temperature was a scorching 26.6°C at Egilsstaðir Airport on May 15.[1][2]
Weather Conditions
The heatwave was caused by a persistent high-pressure system near the Faroe Islands, drawing warm air from the south and southeast. This resulted in temperatures far exceeding seasonal averages, particularly in northeastern and eastern highlands.[2]
While the dramatic June weather is unsettling, it underscores the island's reputation for weather whiplash. Make sure to keep up with the Icelandic Meteorological Office or local travel authorities for the latest updates on weather conditions and recommended precautions for travelers.
Despite the temperature records set during the May 2025 heatwave, the weather in Iceland has taken a chilly turn in June, causing authorities to issue travel advisories, particularly for those touring the mountains. With declining visibility and northerly winds forecasted, Iceland's National Commissioner of Police has declared a public safety "uncertainty phase" due to unpredictable weather-forecasting. Travelers should be mindful of the changing weather conditions and the potential risks associated with wintery weather while touring Iceland.
