Coldest October in Akureyri since 1981 as Iceland faces unusual weather patterns

October was notably cold across Iceland, marking the coldest October in Akureyri since 1981, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office. The average temperature in the capital, Reykjavik, was 3.3°C, which is 1.5°C below the average for 1991 to 2020 and 2.2°C below the average of the past decade. In Akureyri, the average temperature dropped to 0.8°C, 2.7°C below the long-term average and 3.2°C below the last ten years’ average.

Precipitation levels varied, with Reykjavik receiving 72.4 mm—90% of the average for the same period. Akureyri recorded lower rainfall at 44.7 mm, which is 60% of its normal average. Stykkishólmur saw 78.4 mm, while Höfn in Hornafjörður experienced the highest at 140.0 mm.

While Reykjavik had clear ground most mornings, Akureyri reported eight days of white ground, significantly above the average. Wind levels were unusually low, with national averages recorded at 0.8 m/s below normal. However, sunshine hours in Reykjavik exceeded averages, while Akureyri registered 8.7 hours below the expected range for the month.

Generally, atmospheric pressure was also below average across the country. The month exemplified the continuing trend of cooler temperatures as Iceland approaches winter, reflecting broader climatic patterns observed in recent years.