Temperature records in Spitsbergen

While central and eastern Europe are suffering from severe cold, temperatures in Spitsbergen are higher than ever measured in February. Measuring was started in 1975. Longyearbyen airport had 7 degrees centigrade above freezing, exactly 1 degree higher than the previous record for February (measured 17.2.2005).

Also Sveagruva has the doubtful honour to present a new record, amounting to 6.5 degrees, or 1.3 degrees higher than previously (5.2 degrees on 22.2.2006). Also the other stations in Ny Ålesund and on Hopen and Bear Island have temperatures above freezing.

Towards the weekend the mercury is expected to drop well below zero again.

Source: Svalbardposten