Even Santa Claus is feeling the strain as Finland’s Arctic region endures an unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures soaring to record highs. At his village near Rovaniemi, the iconic figure has swapped his usual winter duties for sun safety reminders—urging elves and reindeer alike to stay hydrated.
Northern Finland, typically known for its icy winters, has seen thermometers climb above 30°C (86°F) for over two weeks—the longest such streak since records began in 1961. The Finnish Meteorological Institute confirmed the anomaly, noting that Lapland, where such heat is rare, has been particularly hard hit.
Santa himself has retreated indoors, avoiding his heavy fur-lined suit during peak temperatures. “I only venture out for an evening swim once it cools down,” he admits. Meanwhile, his reindeer—accustomed to snow-covered forests—are seeking refuge from swarming mosquitoes by wandering into villages and roadsides.
Scientists warn that while this specific heatwave isn’t solely caused by climate change, rising global temperatures are making extreme weather more frequent. “The Arctic is warming much faster than the rest of the planet,” explains one researcher, noting that reindeer herders may soon need shaded shelters to protect their animals.
Tourists expecting a cool Arctic escape have been caught off guard. “I packed for cold weather and now I’m melting,” says one visitor from Prague, while another from London admits, “I never imagined needing sunscreen at the Arctic Circle.”
With daylight stretching nearly 20 hours, the heat lingers late into the night. Locals and workers, like Elina the elf, wonder if such sweltering summers will become the norm. For now, Santa remains hopeful: “Give me snow any day—winter can’t come soon enough.”
As Lapland adapts to the unexpected warmth, the heatwave serves as a stark reminder of the Arctic’s rapidly changing climate.
