Hasn't been this cold for 50 years
The coldest temperatures in Víðidalur were around noon yesterday. mbl.is/Eggert Jóhannesson
The coldest temperature in Reykjavík since 1971 was measured in Víðidalur Valley yesterday, at minus 24.4 degrees Celcius. In 1971, there was a 25.7 degree freeze in Hólmur above Lake Elliðavatn.
The maximum freezing temperature in Víðidalur was measured between 11 and 12 noon yesterday.
The weather station there is relatively recent and has been there since December 2018. So it is likely that there has been more frost there before, but it simply has not been measured, according to meteorologist Trausti Jónsson.
It has been very cold in December in Víðidalur, where a lot of people in the capital region keep their horses. mbl.is/Árni Sæberg
A very special situation
The record for cold temperature in the capital area was recorded at Vífilsstaðir in 1918, with a temperature of 29 degrees.
“This is a very special situation in Víðidalur. This is what happens when the wind is very slow. It warmed up by 10 degrees in ten minutes, as the wind became slower,” says Trausti.
In Fossvogur valley, cold pools can also form in freezing temperatures.
When asked about whether this year will break cold temperatures records, Trausti says he wants to be careful about any statements until the cold season ends. Then you can look at the figures and assess them.
