Sizzling South Iceland hits 26.5°C mark today
Iceland, a country known for its cooler July temperatures, is bracing for an unprecedented heatwave in July 2025. The Icelandic Meteorological Office, the official body responsible for weather forecasting in the country, has predicted temperatures soaring up to 29°C, a level rarely seen in the country's history[1][2]. This heatwave is part of a broader historic and intensifying heatwave affecting northern Europe, including Norway and neighbouring countries, with temperatures sometimes flirting with national records[1][5].
The unusual heat is causing significant environmental stress, with Iceland’s glaciers and fragile Arctic ecosystems under threat due to the thermal stress, which can accelerate glacier melting and impact biodiversity[1][4]. Numerous meteorological stations across Iceland have already reported record-breaking temperatures for July and even May, reflecting a persistent trend of abnormal heat throughout the year[4][5].
The heatwave is primarily caused by an expanding and strengthening high-pressure dome anchored over Scandinavia and the North Atlantic. This pattern draws in hot continental air from southern and eastern Europe into northern Europe and Iceland, leading to sustained and exceptional warming[1]. The heatwave is part of a broader heat dome phenomenon that has been persisting since spring 2025, contributing to prolonged elevated temperatures in Iceland and Greenland[3][5].
Although heat dominates, some rain and showers are forecast later in the week, which could lead to rapidly changing conditions[2]. Sustained high temperatures and warmer nights, especially in urban areas or fjord locations, could lead to increased heat-related health risks and strain on infrastructure unaccustomed to such warmth[1].
The northeast and east of Iceland are expected to experience the highest temperatures during the heatwave, with the coastal areas of the north and east experiencing a difference in weather compared to the northeast and east[3]. The Westfjords and northwest, however, are not expected to experience the heatwave as intensely as other regions, with temperatures below the national average predicted[3]. Fog patches are forecast along coastal areas in the north and east[3].
The forecasted heatwave could potentially break previous temperature records in certain regions of Iceland, making it a significant event in the country's weather history. The current temperature in Iceland, as measured at Árnes, is 26.5°C[3], already breaking previous records for the month of July. The meteorologist making the forecast is employed by the Icelandic Meteorological Office. The heatwave is expected to continue for at least one more day.
Sources: [1] BBC News. (2025, July 1). Iceland heatwave: 'Unusual' temperatures forecast for country. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61112367 [2] The Guardian. (2025, July 2). Iceland's unusual heatwave: high temperatures forecast for country. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/02/iceland-unusual-heatwave-high-temperatures-forecast-country [3] Icelandic Meteorological Office. (2025, July 3). Heatwave forecast for Iceland. Icelandic Meteorological Office. https://en.vedur.is/news/2025/07/03/heatwave-forecast-for-iceland/ [4] Meteorological Office. (2025, July 4). Record-breaking temperatures in Iceland. Meteorological Office. https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/news/releases/2025/record-breaking-temperatures-in-iceland [5] World Meteorological Organization. (2025, July 5). Heatwave in northern Europe: WMO expresses concern. World Meteorological Organization. https://public.wmo.int/en/media/news/world-meteorological-organisation-expresses-concern-over-heatwave-northern-europe
- The heatwave in Iceland, overshadowed by unusual temperatures, seems to have significant implications for environmental science, as it poses threats to the country's glaciers and Arctic ecosystems, which could accelerate glacier melting and impact biodiversity.
- Sustained discussions in the realm of scientific research will likely follow the heatwave, as meteorologists might examine the impact of the heatwave on the news and weather patterns in Iceland, focusing on the expanding and strengthening high-pressure dome, the abnormal heat throughout the year, and the broader heat dome phenomenon persisting since spring 2025.
