Grímsey was warmer than Reykjavík in wet October

October was relatively warm but very wet across Iceland, with the average temperature in Grímsey higher than in Reykjavík, mbl.is reports, citing the Icelandic Met Office’s monthly weather summary.

Temperatures were above the 1991–2020 average nationwide. The national average was 5.0°C, one degree above the norm. Reykjavík averaged 5.2°C, while Grímsey averaged 5.5°C. The month ranked ninth warmest in Grímsey in 153 years of measurements and 43rd in Reykjavík in a continuous 156-year record.

Rainfall was well above average across the country, and there were many wet days. Dalatangi recorded 378.9 millimetres, 84% above its 1991–2020 average. It was the highest October total there since 2001. Reykjavík recorded 122.6 mm, 54% above average; Stykkishólmur had 125.3 mm, 84% above average; and Akureyri had 108.4 mm, 47% above average.

Low air pressure made the month unsettled. A particularly deep low-pressure system crossed the country on 14 October and caused considerable damage in Siglufjörður.