LEO Network

About the LEO Network
The LEO Network is a worldwide network of observers and experts that share their observations of environmental change.
Continue

Observations

“The birch trees in Fossvogur are now in very bad shape”
Record late-October snowfall in Reykjavík snapped many trees in Fossvogskirkjugarður cemetery, with birch hit hardest. Cleanup is underway and may take weeks; damage also occurred in Gufunes and Hólavallagarður cemeteries.
Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
mbl.is

Nearly all domestic flights canceled
Most domestic flights in Iceland were canceled due to weather, affecting about 700 passengers. Icelandair cited strong winds aloft causing turbulence and icing; only early flights to Akureyri and Bíldudalur operated, with conditions expected to improve by tonight or tomorrow.
Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
Vísir

20°C below zero: Likely the coldest ever on this date
Iceland experienced intense cold overnight, with -19.8°C recorded at Sandskeið around 6 a.m., and meteorologist Einar Sveinbjörnsson says it is likely the coldest 30 October on record. Reykjavík dropped to just over -8°C, and an Icelandic Met Office table showed -20.2°C at Setur south of Hofsjökull overnight.
Sandskeið, Southern Region, Iceland
mbl.is

Greatest snow depth measured in Reykjavík in October
Reykjavík recorded 27 cm of snow at 9:00 on October 28, likely the deepest October snow on record, surpassing the previous 15 cm set in 1921. Heavy snowfall and poor visibility were forecast on the Suðurnes/Reykjanesbraut corridor with 50–75 mm precipitation expected.
Reykjavík, Capital Region, Iceland
Vísir

Mosquito has arrived in Iceland
A mosquito species, Culiseta annulata, has been confirmed in Iceland after specimens of both sexes were captured in Kjósarhreppur on October 16–18, 2025. The find suggests mosquitoes may now be present in the country, long considered free of them.
Kjósarhreppur, Capital Region, Iceland
Vísir

Rare sighting on Snæfellsnes
A Cattle Egret was spotted west of Ólafsvíkurenni on Iceland’s Snæfellsnes peninsula, a very rare occurrence. A bird expert links increasing appearances of southern species in Iceland to climate change.
Ólafsvík, West Iceland, Iceland
Iceland Monitor

Larger than the largest quakes in the biggest swarm
A magnitude 3.3 earthquake struck near Grjótárvatn on Mýrar this morning, the largest in the Ljósufjöll volcanic system in about three and a half months. Roughly 45 quakes have occurred since last night at 15–20 km depth, and the Icelandic Met Office notes concern would rise if activity shallows.
Mýrar, Vesturland, Iceland
mbl.is

Severe avian influenza detected in North Iceland
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N5) was confirmed in multiple dead gulls found at Blönduós and in a female duck found dead at Sauðárkrókur in North Iceland. Authorities urge biosecurity for poultry, public reporting of dead or sick wildlife, and caution by hunters.
Blönduós and Sauðárkrókur, Northwestern Region, Iceland

Glacier retreated about 200 meters
Vestari Hagafellsjökull, on the south side of Langjökull, has retreated about 200 meters since 2023, according to a preliminary glacier-terminus survey conducted on 20 September 2025. Since 2009 the glacier has receded roughly 973 meters through 2023, with accelerated retreat likely tied to this summer’s warmth.
Langjökull, Southern Region, Iceland

Seven salmon confirmed as farmed escapees
Icelandic authorities report that 7 of 22 salmon submitted for testing were confirmed as farmed escapees, caught in several North/West Iceland rivers. Tracing suggests six fish share a common origin in Dýrafjörður; investigations continue and anglers are asked to turn in suspect fish whole for analysis.
Búðardalur, Western Region, Iceland

Iceland on Alert as Glacial Waters Surge from Langjökull
A sudden glacial outburst flood from a marginal lake near Langjökull sent water into the Svartá and downstream into the Hvítá in Borgarfjörður, peaking above 400 cm overnight before easing to just over 300 cm. Authorities warn further river flooding is possible in coming days, with increased landslide risk in southeast Iceland.
Húsafell, Borgarfjörður, Iceland
Iceland Review

Earthquake near Langjökull: “This is the largest since 2007”
A magnitude 3.3 earthquake struck northeast of Langjökull near Djöflasandur this morning, marking the strongest quake in the area since November 2007.
Langjökull, Iceland

Three caravans destroyed by wind on Holtavörðuheiði
Severe winds on the Holtavörðuheiði pass in Húnaþing Vestra, Iceland, blew apart three caravans, prompting a multi-hour rescue response by the Húnar Hvammstanga search and rescue team.
Holtavörðuheiði, Húnaþing Vestra, Iceland

Water Damage at Kjarvalsstaðir and 17 Other Locations
Reykjavík fire department responded to 18 water damage calls over two hours during heavy rain, including flooding in the basement of the Kjarvalsstaðir art museum.

Counted a hundred farmed salmon in the lower part of Haukadalsá
An inspector from the Icelandic Fisheries Agency counted around 100 farmed salmon in the lower section of Haukadalsá, marking the largest occurrence of escaped farmed salmon in an Icelandic river, and plans are underway for removal operations including using anglers and Norwegian divers.
Haukadalsá, Dalabyggð, Iceland
visir.is

Esja snow-free and unusually early
The snow patch at Gunnlaugsskarð in Esja melted out by early August 2025, marking one of the earliest disappearances on record, previously only in July of 1941 and 2010.

Rare Basking Shark in Faxaflói Bay
A rare basking shark was spotted during an Elding whale watching tour in Faxaflói Bay, marking its first appearance in the bay in five years according to the company.
Faxaflói Bay, Southwest, Iceland

Many have visited health care due to volcanic smog
Many residents sought medical attention for respiratory discomfort and eye irritation caused by volcanic smog and air pollution lingering over Reykjavík and nearby areas.

Canadian fine particulate plagues Reykjavík residents
Levels of fine particulate matter have risen in Reykjavík, likely due to smoke from Canadian wildfires, prompting health advisories for those with respiratory issues.
Reykjavík, Iceland
visir.is

Second Attempt Planned to Help Stranded Orca Return to Sea
Rescue teams in Reykjavík will make a second, high-tide effort this evening to nudge an orca stranded since Tuesday night in the shallow cove of the Grafarvogur neighbourhood back into open waters.
Iceland Review

Reykjavík Just Misses May Temperature Record
Reykjavík’s temperature yesterday came within half a degree of the city’s May record amid warm, dry, and bright conditions, with similar weather expected until rain arrives Thursday.

Fresh 3.1 Magnitude Tremor Recorded in Ljósufjöll Volcanic System
This event follows a series of deep earthquakes, the last comparable one occurring on April 23, and while no eruption has taken place in nearly a millennium, experts warn these movements could signal deeper volcanic processes.
Mýrar, West Iceland, Iceland
Iceland Review

Thunder and Lightning Strike Across Southern Iceland
Capital area residents experienced an unexpected display of lightning followed by a powerful thunder clap as stormy conditions gripped southern Iceland.

Devastated by the Destructive Power of Natural Forces
A severe storm over the weekend battered businesses at Fiskislóð 31 in Reykjavík, with colossal waves breaching coastal defenses and flooding inland areas, leaving significant structural and economic damage.

The Wave Drove Cars and People into the Sea
Two individuals were swept into the sea near Akranes harbor when a large swell unexpectedly engulfed the area, dragging along cars and a pedestrian. They were rescued by emergency services, with one later transferred to a hospital in Reykjavík.
Akranes, Iceland

Coastal Flooding Causes Major Damage in Seltjarnarnes
Seawater breached sea walls in Seltjarnarnes this morning causing major damage to homes and infrastructure, with emergency services working to pump out water and warnings of further flooding tonight.
Seltjarnarnes, Capital Region, Iceland

Lightning Strikes Hallgrímskirkja Church During Storm
Lightning struck the iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church tower in Reykjavík during a storm, with video footage capturing the event. Officials report no significant damage aside from a temporarily affected spotlight.

Firefighters Tackle Floods in the Capital Region Following Storm
After Friday’s storm, the Capital Region’s Fire Department responded to an unusually high number of flood-related calls, with firefighters tackling severe flooding in homes and public areas. The incident saw approximately 25 calls for pump trucks and over 140 ambulances dispatched during the event.

Bat Flies Around the Hills
A bat sighting was reported in the hills of Reykjavík, Iceland, prompting a police response, but the bat had already flown away upon their arrival.
Reykjavík, Iceland

Bridge Collapses in Borgarfjörður Due to Flooding
A temporary bridge in Borgarfjörður, Iceland, collapsed after an ice jam in the Hvítá River caused significant flooding.
Borgarfjörður, West Iceland, Iceland

Collected dozens of bird carcasses in the capital and more cats sent for testing
Reykjavik's Animal Services has collected dozens of dead bird carcasses, suspected to have died from avian flu, and at least two cats have tested positive for the virus.
Reykjavik, Iceland

Found hot water at Kjalar­nes and Geldingarnes
New low-temperature geothermal areas have been discovered in the capital region of Iceland, potentially boosting the supply of hot water for heating and industry in Reykjavik.
Reykjavik, Iceland

Four earthquakes off Iceland's northern coast
We've become very used to seismic activity in Iceland's southwest corner, but last night, four earthquakes above magnitude three hit a very different area - the Kolbeinsey ridge, far off the country's northern coast.
Iceland
RÚV

Rare Bird Flu Detected in Eagle and Eider Duck
Samples taken from a white-tailed eagle found dead on a skerry near Barðaströnd in the Westfjords in mid-September tested positive for a severe bird flu virus of the strain HPAI H4N5. An eider duck that was found dead in Ólafsfjörður, West Iceland recently was infected with the same strain of bird flu virus. The strain has not been detected in Iceland before and is not common.
Barðaströnd

Unusually Dry Summer in West and Southeast Iceland
In West and Southwest Iceland, rainfall has been less than 10% of the average for July and early August. Rivers and streams have been shrinking and even drying up entirely following several weeks with little to no rainfall in Iceland.
Stykkishólmur, West, Iceland

Rare thunder and lightning over Mosfellsbær
Stormy conditions in the southwestern and western parts of the country saw residents experiencing thunder and lightning yesterday. Eysteinn Örn Stefánsson captured a video of lightning that struck Mosfellsbær, which can be seen in the player above.
Mosfellsbær, Capital Region, Iceland
RÚV

Walrus Follows Man to Work in Iceland
A man biking to work in Iceland this morning was unexpectedly accompanied by a walrus on his commute. Walruses are not native to Iceland.

Widespread Bird Deaths in West and South Iceland
Such deaths are unusual at this time of year in Iceland and their cause is unknown. The widespread deaths of Kittiwakes cannot be attributed to bird flu, according to Brigitte Brugger of the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST). Samples from the birds analysed by MAST ruled out the illness. While bird flu is unlikely to be the cause, extreme weather may be a possible explanation.
Faxaflói Bay, Iceland

Dolphin Species Never Before Seen in Iceland Beaches in Northwest
Two Risso’s dolphins washed ashore in Hrútafjörður in Northwest Iceland last week. Risso dolphins are a warm-water species found a bit to the east of Ireland and Northwest Scotland. But the largest number is found further south, in warmer seas.
Hrútafjörður, Iceland

Sprat: New Fish Species Breeding Off Iceland’s Coast
Researchers have confirmed that the fish species sprat is spawning in Icelandic waters, according to a new report from Iceland’s Marine and Freshwater Research Institute. Sprat has been found in significant numbers off the south and west coast and spawned near Ísafjarðardjúp fjord in the Westfjords last year.
Westfjords, Iceland

30 percent have been bitten
The notorious lúsmý (Culicoides reconditus), a species of biting midge that has colonised Iceland for the first time in the past few years. The tiny flies can cause severe reactions, with large, sore, itchy spots that can remain angry for a week or more, and sometimes spread into a sort of rash.
Húnaþing vestra, Northwestern, Iceland
RÚV

Brush Fires Break Out in Bone Dry Capital Area
Firefighters put out brush fires in Hafnarfjörður and Reykjavík May 9th, while police responded to several other reports of open flames.Weather has been unseasonably dry in Iceland’s capital area in recent weeks and in other parts of the country.
Reykjavík, Capital, Iceland

2020 has been kind to Iceland’s eagles
2020 was the second most successful year on record for Iceland’s sea eagles. Currently there are 85 breeding pairs—mostly around the Breiðafjörður area. This year, there have been 51 eaglets from 60 nests.
Stykkishólmur, West, Iceland

Record-breaking cold?
The thermometer at the main visitor centre in Þingvellir National Park went all the way down to –9.6°C last night and meteorologists confirm that is one of the coldest temperatures ever recorded in a built-up area at this time of year—and could even have been a new record.
Laugarvatn, South, Iceland

Puffin saved by lucky chance
A group on a glacier expedition on Langjökull yesterday stumbled across a puffin lying in the snow. According to group leader Martha Jónasdóttir, the bird was found right at the centre of the glacier—Iceland's second-largest.
Borgarnes, West, Iceland

Deadliest storm in decades for Icelandic horses
Last week’s storm was the most fatal natural disaster to Iceland’s horses in decades. The situation was worst in Vestur- and Austur Húnavatnssýsla, but horses died elsewhere around the country as well.
Vesturland, Iceland

Road breaks up in heavy rain
The road through Svínadalur, near Súlá river in Leirársveit, broke apart this morning, trapping three tourists who could not get their car out again.
Akranes, West, Iceland

Fifty Whales Found Dead on West Iceland Beach
Fifty pilot whales were found dead on the shore of Löngufjörur in a sparsely populated part of the Snæfellsnes peninsula on Thursday, RÚV reports.
Stykkishólmur, West, Iceland

Record-breaking November weather
The average temperature was higher than normal in all parts of the country and in Reykjavík November was warmer than October.
Reykjavík, Reykjavík, Iceland

A month’s rain in one day
It rained solidly in Reykjavík from 15.00 on Friday and most of Saturday, and it was heavy rain by any standard, according to meteorologist Einar Sveinbjörnsson. Around 80 mm of rain had fallen by the end of the soaking—which is slightly higher than the average for the entire month of November.
Reykjavík, Reykjavík, Iceland

Feed the birds, people urged
The latest group to feel the ongoing effect of Iceland’s poor summer weather this year is the country’s bird population. With few berries and seeds on trees and bushes in the southern half of the country, experts worry for the birds’ survival this winter.
Reykjavík, Reykjavík, Iceland

Nine Whales Stranded in Eastfjords
Nine whales have been stranded so far this year in East Iceland. Bottlenose whales and Curvier’s beaked whales are members of the family Ziphiidae and it’s often been said that they are more sensitive to noise pollution in the ocean.

Scientists puzzled by right whale's appearance off Iceland
But an Icelandic whale-watching crew spotted the right whale named Mogul three times this week, leaving a research scientist wondering why the animal ventured so far.
Eye on the Arctic

Largest Landslide in Icelandic History
The landslide is thought to be the largest that has ever occurred in Iceland. Experts say that the uncommonly wet summer weather is to blame for the event.
Borgarbyggð, Vesturland, Iceland

Lobster Stocks Decline, Fishing Ban Considered
Lobster stocks around Iceland’s coast are so low a fishing ban is not out of the question.
Grundarfjordur, West, Iceland

Dazed and Confused Pilot Whales
Pilot whales are abyssal creatures, usually spending their lives far away from land. It is not known for sure why the whales drift ashore but they might be confused when they encounter shallows on their swims.
Rif, West, Iceland

Mysterious Sheep Death Investigated
Sheep, primarily ewes and their lambs, have died in great numbers this past lambing-season. The cause has yet to be determined, and farms all around Iceland appear to be affected.
Búðardalur, West, Iceland

Support

Observation Template