Icelandic meteorologists warn of extreme weather swings from storms to calm

Iceland’s state broadcaster RÚV reports that meteorologists are observing unusually rapid shifts between severe storms and near-complete calm, describing the pattern as “swinging from one extreme to another.”

The abrupt changes follow a period of intense weather, including a powerful storm on Monday that brought hurricane-force winds to the Reykjanes peninsula and the capital region. Wind speeds reached 45–50 metres per second in some areas, causing widespread disruption.

Since then, conditions have alternated between brief periods of relative stillness and renewed gusts, with forecasts indicating further volatility. Meteorologists attribute the instability to a persistent low-pressure system near Iceland, interacting with transient high-pressure ridges.

The unpredictable weather has prompted advisories for travel and outdoor activities, particularly in exposed coastal and highland areas. Authorities urge caution as the pattern is expected to continue in the coming days.