On February 4, 2026, Reuters reported that Greenland experienced notably high winter temperatures, reaching up to 30 degrees Celsius in some localized areas, raising concerns about the implications for fishing and mineral extraction. However, this temperature figure refers to a record from June 1973, not recent winter measurements. The Greenland Meteorological Institute (DMI) indicated that winter temperatures in January 2026 were 8 to 12 degrees Celsius above the 1991-2020 average, reflecting ongoing warming trends rather than establishing a new absolute temperature record.
Scientists highlight that warmer winters are altering sea ice formation and fishing patterns. As ice cover declines, it impacts economic factors in rare earth mineral exploration and shipping access. Long-term climate evidence from NASA shows Arctic warming occurring four times faster than the global average.
The historical 30 degrees Celsius was linked to a phenomenon known as Foehn winds, which can cause rapid local warming. Meteorologists distinguish these short-term weather events from long-term climate trends. Recent analysis indicates a consistent rise in average surface temperatures across Greenland over the decades.
In response to these changes, the Government of Greenland plans to revise its National Climate Adaptation Plan by mid-2026. This update will incorporate the latest projections on ice loss and fisheries management, aligning with findings from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The Danish Meteorological Institute is set to publish a new Arctic Climate Assessment in April 2026.
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