Iceland in January experiences typical winter situations. Anticipate day by day imply temperatures hovering round freezing, starting from -1C to +1C (30F to 34F). Coastal areas are usually milder than inland areas, because of the moderating affect of the ocean. Precipitation, usually within the type of snow, rain, or sleet, is widespread all through the month. Daytime are restricted, with a median of 4-5 hours of daylight per day.
Understanding these weather conditions is crucial for anybody planning to go to or work in Iceland throughout this era. Acceptable clothes, together with heat layers, waterproof outerwear, and durable footwear, is essential for consolation and security. Highway situations might be difficult attributable to snow and ice, necessitating cautious driving and probably specialised tires. The restricted sunlight hours impression journey plans and outside actions. Nevertheless, the distinctive winter landscapes and potential for viewing the Northern Lights supply a particular journey expertise.
This understanding of the prevailing January local weather supplies a basis for additional exploration of particular journey issues, equivalent to packing lists, beneficial actions, and potential journey disruptions.
1. Close to-freezing Temperatures
Close to-freezing temperatures are a defining attribute of Iceland’s common January climate. This constant hovering round 0C (32F) considerably influences journey planning, requiring particular preparations and impacting out there actions.
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Influence on Highway Situations
Close to-freezing temperatures, mixed with precipitation, create hazardous highway situations. Ice and compacted snow necessitate cautious driving and probably specialised tires and even 4×4 automobiles. Mountain roads could also be closed, and journey instances might be considerably prolonged.
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Affect on Clothes Decisions
Efficient layering is crucial in near-freezing situations. Thermal underwear, fleece or wool mid-layers, and a water-proof, windproof outer shell are essential. Heat hats, gloves, and scarves are additionally mandatory to stop warmth loss. Correct footwear, together with insulated, waterproof boots with good traction, is significant for security and luxury.
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Results on Outside Actions
Close to-freezing temperatures require cautious consideration when planning outside actions. Publicity to those situations can result in hypothermia if correct precautions are usually not taken. Actions ought to be adjusted in accordance with climate forecasts and private tolerance to chilly. Shorter excursions with frequent breaks in warmed areas are sometimes advisable.
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Relationship to Different Climate Phenomena
Close to-freezing temperatures work together with different climate components. They’ll result in the formation of ice on surfaces, rising the chance of slips and falls. Mixed with wind, they create a considerably decrease wind chill issue, additional emphasizing the necessity for protecting clothes.
Understanding the implications of near-freezing temperatures supplies a framework for successfully navigating the challenges and having fun with the distinctive experiences Iceland presents in January. Preparation and adaptableness are key to a protected and fulfilling journey.
2. Coastal Areas Milder
The moderating affect of the North Atlantic Present considerably impacts Iceland’s winter local weather, leading to milder temperatures alongside the shoreline in comparison with inland areas. This temperature differential performs a vital function in shaping climate patterns, impacting accessibility, and influencing native ecosystems. Whereas inland areas expertise extra excessive temperature fluctuations, continuously dropping under freezing, coastal areas usually stay a number of levels hotter. This relative heat leads to much less frequent and fewer extreme snowfall alongside the coast, though rainfall stays widespread. For instance, Reykjavik, located on the coast, sometimes experiences common January temperatures hovering round 0C (32F), whereas inland areas can often see temperatures of -5C (23F) or decrease.
This coastal moderation has important sensible implications. Coastal roads are usually extra accessible throughout winter, facilitating transportation and entry to important companies. Harbors stay largely ice-free, enabling continued fishing and maritime actions, essential to Iceland’s economic system. The milder coastal local weather additionally helps a higher variety of plant and animal life in comparison with the harsher inland atmosphere. Nevertheless, the coastal areas are usually not with out their very own winter climate challenges. The hotter ocean temperatures contribute to elevated humidity and frequent precipitation, usually within the type of rain or sleet. Moreover, the interplay of hotter air with colder landmasses can create robust winds and localized storms alongside the coast.
In abstract, the milder temperatures of Iceland’s coastal areas signify a key element of the nation’s general January local weather. This moderation influences accessibility, financial actions, and ecological variety. Understanding this coastal-inland temperature gradient is crucial for navigating Iceland’s winter panorama and appreciating the complicated interaction of oceanic and terrestrial influences on its climate patterns.
3. Frequent Precipitation
Frequent precipitation is a defining attribute of Iceland’s January local weather, considerably influencing journey situations, shaping landscapes, and impacting day by day life. Understanding its varied types and implications is essential for navigating this winter interval.
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Diversified Types of Precipitation
Precipitation in January takes varied types, together with rain, snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Coastal areas, attributable to barely hotter temperatures, expertise extra rain and sleet, whereas inland areas expertise predominantly snowfall. This variability necessitates preparedness for numerous situations, requiring adaptable clothes and cautious consideration of journey routes.
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Influence on Visibility and Journey
Frequent precipitation, significantly heavy snowfall or blizzards, can severely scale back visibility, impacting highway journey and probably resulting in closures. Flight delays and cancellations are additionally potential. Checking climate forecasts often and remaining versatile with journey plans is crucial.
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Contribution to Snow Accumulation and Glacial Landscapes
January’s frequent snowfall contributes considerably to snow accumulation, shaping Iceland’s iconic winter landscapes. This accumulation feeds glaciers and creates alternatives for winter actions like snowmobiling and glacier climbing, whereas additionally posing challenges for transportation and infrastructure upkeep.
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Affect on Daylight and Ambient Gentle
Cloud cowl related to frequent precipitation additional reduces the already restricted sunlight hours in January, influencing ambient mild ranges and probably impacting temper and exercise schedules. The interaction of snow cowl and cloud cowl can create diffuse lighting situations, impacting pictures and visibility.
The prevalence of precipitation in January underscores the dynamic nature of Iceland’s winter local weather. Its various types and related impacts spotlight the necessity for thorough preparation, adaptability, and a respect for the highly effective forces shaping this island nation’s atmosphere.
4. Snow, Rain, and Sleet
Snow, rain, and sleet are outstanding options of Iceland’s January climate, contributing considerably to the challenges and distinctive great thing about this winter interval. Understanding the interaction of those precipitation varieties is essential for anticipating potential journey disruptions, appreciating the dynamic panorama, and getting ready for variable situations.
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Coastal vs. Inland Precipitation
Coastal areas, influenced by the comparatively hotter North Atlantic Present, expertise a better proportion of rain and sleet in comparison with inland areas. Inland areas, topic to colder temperatures, obtain primarily snowfall. This distinction creates numerous microclimates and requires tailor-made preparation relying on the meant journey location. For instance, coastal cities like Reykjavik could expertise rain adopted by a fast drop in temperature, resulting in icy situations. Conversely, inland areas could expertise sustained snowfall, accumulating deep snowpack.
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Influence on Highway Situations and Journey Security
The mixture of snow, rain, and sleet creates complicated and sometimes hazardous highway situations. Freezing rain can coat roads in a layer of ice, making driving treacherous. Heavy snowfall can scale back visibility and result in highway closures. Sleet, a mixture of rain and snow, can create slushy situations which can be tough to navigate. These components necessitate cautious driving, applicable automobile selections (e.g., 4×4 automobiles, winter tires), and consciousness of highway closures and climate advisories.
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Contribution to Panorama Formation
The interaction of those precipitation varieties shapes Iceland’s dramatic winter landscapes. Snowfall blankets volcanic fields and mountains, making a stark, monochromatic magnificence. Rain and sleet contribute to the formation of ice caves and glacial options, including to the distinctive geological formations. Understanding the affect of precipitation on the panorama enhances appreciation for the dynamic forces shaping Iceland’s atmosphere.
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Challenges and Alternatives for Outside Actions
Whereas the numerous precipitation can pose challenges for outside actions, it additionally creates distinctive alternatives. Snowfall creates situations for snowboarding, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. Ice caves develop into accessible for exploration. Nevertheless, these actions require cautious planning, applicable gear, and consciousness of climate situations. The potential for fast modifications in climate underscores the significance of flexibility and preparedness.
The mixture of snow, rain, and sleet in Iceland’s January climate creates a dynamic and sometimes unpredictable atmosphere. Recognizing the distinct traits of every precipitation kind and their mixed results is crucial for protected and knowledgeable journey and a deeper appreciation of the highly effective forces shaping this island nation’s winter panorama.
5. Restricted Daylight (4-5 Hours)
Restricted daylight, averaging 4-5 hours in January, is a defining attribute of Iceland’s winter and intrinsically linked to its general climate patterns. This decreased daylight interval is a direct consequence of Iceland’s excessive latitude location and the Earth’s axial tilt in the course of the winter months. The solar stays low on the horizon, even at its peak, leading to prolonged intervals of twilight and darkness. This restricted photo voltaic radiation contributes considerably to the chilly temperatures prevalent in January.
The impression of decreased daylight extends past temperature. It influences day by day life, impacting exercise schedules and probably affecting temper and sleep patterns. Driving situations develop into more difficult attributable to decreased visibility. Planning outside actions requires cautious consideration of sunlight hours, impacting potential tour durations and necessitating applicable lighting gear for security. For instance, glacier hikes or Northern Lights viewing excursions have to be meticulously timed to coincide with out there daylight and optimum darkness, respectively. Moreover, the restricted daylight enhances the visibility of the Aurora Borealis, providing elevated alternatives for witnessing this spectacular pure phenomenon.
Understanding the implications of restricted daylight is essential for navigating Iceland in January. Sensible issues embrace adapting to altered sleep cycles, planning actions round sunlight hours, and making certain sufficient lighting for protected journey. This consciousness permits guests and residents to understand the distinctive challenges and alternatives offered by this facet of Iceland’s winter local weather, maximizing the potential for a protected and fulfilling expertise. The restricted daylight, whereas presenting logistical issues, contributes considerably to the distinctive character of the Icelandic winter panorama.
6. Northern Lights Viewing
January in Iceland presents prime situations for Northern Lights viewing. The lengthy nighttimes, a key attribute of the typical climate in Iceland in January, present ample alternatives to witness this celestial show. Nevertheless, clear skies are important, and the frequent cloud cowl related to January’s climate patterns can pose a problem. Understanding this interaction of darkness and clear sky necessities is essential for maximizing the probabilities of a profitable viewing expertise.
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Clear Sky Necessity
The Aurora Borealis, whereas occurring no matter cloud cowl, requires clear skies for visibility from the bottom. January’s frequent cloud cowl, usually related to precipitation, can obscure the Northern Lights. Checking climate forecasts for clear sky predictions is crucial for profitable viewing. Localized clear spells can happen even inside predominantly cloudy situations, highlighting the significance of remaining versatile and protracted.
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Influence of Gentle Air pollution
Gentle air pollution from city areas interferes with Northern Lights visibility. Venturing away from metropolis lights enhances viewing alternatives. The darkness inherent in Iceland’s rural landscapes, mixed with the lengthy nighttimes in January, supplies favorable situations for minimizing mild air pollution’s impression.
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Geomagnetic Exercise and Photo voltaic Flares
The depth and visibility of the Northern Lights are influenced by geomagnetic exercise and photo voltaic flares. Monitoring house climate forecasts, which predict auroral exercise, will increase the probability of witnessing a vibrant show. Combining this info with clear sky predictions enhances planning and maximizes viewing potential.
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Security Concerns Throughout Viewing
Venturing out in Iceland’s winter darkness to view the Northern Lights necessitates security precautions. Icy situations, prevalent in January, require cautious footing and applicable footwear. Consciousness of environment, together with potential hazards like uneven terrain or our bodies of water, is essential. Informing somebody of viewing plans and estimated return time is a beneficial security apply.
Efficiently viewing the Northern Lights in Iceland throughout January requires understanding the interaction of common climate situations and auroral exercise. Whereas the lengthy nighttimes present ample alternative, the frequent cloud cowl necessitates strategic planning and adaptability. Combining clear sky predictions with auroral forecasts and adhering to security precautions maximizes the potential for a memorable and rewarding Northern Lights expertise.
7. Icy Highway Situations
Icy highway situations are a major attribute of Iceland’s common January climate. Close to-freezing temperatures mixed with frequent precipitationrain, snow, and sleetcreate hazardous driving situations. Understanding these situations and their implications is essential for protected winter journey in Iceland.
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Temperature Fluctuations Round Freezing
Temperatures hovering round 0C (32F) create a freeze-thaw cycle. Diurnal temperature variations trigger melting in the course of the day and refreezing at night time, leading to widespread ice formation, significantly on bridges and shaded areas. This phenomenon will increase the chance of skidding and lack of management, emphasizing the necessity for cautious driving and applicable automobile gear.
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Precipitation Results: Snow, Rain, and Freezing Rain
Snow accumulation reduces highway traction, whereas rain can result in standing water that freezes shortly, forming black ice. Freezing rain, significantly harmful, coats roads with a clear layer of ice, considerably rising the chance of accidents. These various precipitation varieties necessitate vigilance and adaptableness whereas driving in Iceland throughout January.
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Wind and Diminished Visibility
Sturdy winds, widespread in Iceland, exacerbate icy highway situations by creating drifting snow and lowering visibility. Wind chill additional lowers the efficient temperature, impacting driver consolation and probably resulting in fatigue. These mixed components necessitate cautious route planning, checking climate forecasts, and potential delays.
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Regional Variations and Accessibility
Highway situations range considerably throughout Iceland in January. Coastal roads, whereas usually milder, are vulnerable to robust winds and coastal storms. Inland roads and mountain passes expertise extra extreme snow accumulation and ice formation, usually resulting in closures. Checking highway situations and closures earlier than journey is essential for protected and environment friendly navigation.
Icy highway situations are an inherent a part of Iceland’s common January climate. The interaction of temperature fluctuations, precipitation, wind, and regional variations creates a fancy and dynamic highway atmosphere. Cautious preparation, together with applicable automobile choice, driving practices, and consciousness of climate and highway situations, is crucial for navigating these challenges and making certain protected journey in the course of the Icelandic winter.
8. Sturdy Winds Potential
Sturdy winds are a frequent element of Iceland’s common January climate. Their presence considerably impacts journey security, infrastructure, and day by day life. Understanding the character and potential penalties of those winds is essential for navigating the Icelandic winter.
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Influence on Journey Security
Sturdy winds can create hazardous driving situations, significantly when mixed with snow or ice. Wind gusts can destabilize automobiles, rising the chance of accidents. Diminished visibility attributable to blowing snow additional compounds these risks. Flights will also be delayed or cancelled attributable to excessive winds. Checking climate and highway situations earlier than touring is crucial.
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Infrastructure Vulnerability
Sturdy winds can injury infrastructure, together with energy traces and communication networks. Energy outages and disruptions to communication companies are potential. Coastal areas are significantly weak to storm surges and wave injury attributable to robust winds. Buildings and buildings are designed to resist excessive winds, however short-term buildings and outside gear could also be vulnerable to wreck.
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Wind Chill Issue
Sturdy winds mixed with near-freezing temperatures create a considerably decrease wind chill issue, rising the chance of hypothermia and frostbite. Uncovered pores and skin might be affected shortly in these situations. Acceptable clothes, together with windproof outer layers, is essential for mitigating the results of wind chill.
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Interplay with Different Climate Phenomena
Sturdy winds work together with different climate phenomena, exacerbating their impacts. Wind-driven snow reduces visibility and creates blizzard situations. Winds can push sea ice ashore, impacting coastal navigation and infrastructure. Understanding these interactions is significant for anticipating potential hazards and getting ready accordingly.
Sturdy winds signify a major ingredient of Iceland’s common January climate. Their potential to impression journey security, infrastructure, and human consolation underscores the significance of preparedness and vigilance when navigating the Icelandic winter panorama. These situations spotlight the dynamic and typically difficult nature of Iceland’s atmosphere throughout this era.
9. Variable Climate Patterns
Variable climate patterns are intrinsic to Iceland’s January local weather. The “common” situations signify a statistical midpoint inside a dynamic vary of potential climate occasions. The North Atlantic location, influenced by each heat oceanic currents and chilly Arctic air plenty, creates inherent instability. A seemingly typical day can quickly transition from calm to stormy situations, experiencing shifts in temperature, precipitation, and wind pace inside brief intervals. This variability underscores the restrictions of relying solely on common situations when planning January journey. For example, whereas common temperatures hover close to freezing, considerably colder or milder intervals can happen. Equally, intervals of clear skies might be interspersed with extended snowfall or blizzards. This inherent unpredictability necessitates versatile itineraries and preparedness for numerous situations.
This variability manifests in a number of methods. Sudden temperature drops can remodel moist roads into icy hazards. Shifting wind patterns can create localized snowstorms, impacting visibility and journey security. Coastal areas, whereas usually milder, can expertise fast modifications because of the interplay of heat air and chilly ocean currents, resulting in intense bursts of wind and precipitation. Inland areas, vulnerable to temperature inversions, can expertise intervals of maximum chilly punctuated by hotter, wetter spells. These examples reveal the sensible implications of variable climate patterns. Journey plans should accommodate potential disruptions, together with highway closures, flight delays, and the necessity for different actions. Packing methods ought to embody a variety of clothes choices appropriate for numerous situations.
Understanding the inherent variability inside Iceland’s common January climate is essential for efficient planning and protected journey. Whereas averages present a normal framework, anticipating and adapting to fluctuations is crucial. Flexibility, preparedness, and entry to up-to-the-minute climate info are key to navigating the dynamic situations and making certain a protected and rewarding expertise. This consciousness transforms the problem of unpredictable climate into a chance to expertise the total spectrum of Iceland’s winter panorama.
Continuously Requested Questions on Iceland’s January Climate
This FAQ part addresses widespread inquiries concerning Iceland’s local weather in January, offering concise and informative responses to facilitate knowledgeable journey planning and lifelike expectations.
Query 1: How a lot snow can one count on in Iceland throughout January?
Snowfall varies considerably throughout Iceland in January. Coastal areas sometimes obtain much less snow than inland areas. Reykjavik averages round 13cm (5 inches) of snowfall, whereas inland and mountainous areas can accumulate significantly extra.
Query 2: Is it protected to drive in Iceland throughout January?
Driving in Iceland in January requires warning and preparedness. Highway situations might be difficult attributable to snow, ice, and powerful winds. Checking highway situations earlier than journey, renting an acceptable automobile (4×4 beneficial), and adjusting driving pace to situations are important.
Query 3: What kind of clothes is beneficial for January in Iceland?
Heat, layered clothes is crucial. Thermal underwear, fleece or wool mid-layers, waterproof and windproof outer shells, heat hats, gloves, and scarves are beneficial. Sturdy, waterproof, insulated boots with good traction are essential.
Query 4: Are there any particular security issues associated to the climate in January?
Potential weather-related security issues embrace icy roads, decreased visibility attributable to snow and fog, robust winds, and the chance of hypothermia attributable to chilly temperatures and wind chill. Consciousness of those hazards and applicable preparation mitigate dangers.
Query 5: What are the sunlight hours like in Iceland throughout January?
Daytime are restricted in January, averaging 4-5 hours per day. This influences exercise scheduling and requires adaptation to prolonged intervals of darkness. Nevertheless, it creates optimum situations for Northern Lights viewing.
Query 6: How dependable are climate forecasts in Iceland throughout January?
Whereas climate forecasts present worthwhile steerage, Iceland’s climate is inherently variable. Speedy modifications are potential, and forecasts could not at all times precisely predict localized situations. Flexibility and preparedness for numerous situations are important.
Cautious consideration of those continuously requested questions supplies a basis for understanding the challenges and alternatives offered by Iceland’s January climate. Thorough preparation and adaptableness are key to a protected and rewarding expertise.
This understanding of typical January climate in Iceland paves the way in which for exploring particular actions and journey suggestions tailor-made to this distinctive winter atmosphere.
Suggestions for Navigating Iceland’s January Climate
The following tips present sensible steerage for navigating the challenges and maximizing the alternatives offered by Iceland’s January climate. Cautious consideration of those suggestions enhances security and contributes to a extra rewarding journey expertise.
Tip 1: Pack Layers for Fluctuating Temperatures: Temperature variations are widespread. Layering permits adaptation to altering situations. Thermal underwear, fleece or wool mid-layers, and a water-proof, windproof outer shell present flexibility and insulation.
Tip 2: Prioritize Waterproof and Windproof Outerwear: Frequent precipitation and powerful winds necessitate outerwear that gives efficient safety from each components. A high-quality waterproof and windproof jacket and pants are important.
Tip 3: Select Acceptable Footwear: Insulated, waterproof boots with good traction are essential for navigating icy sidewalks and snowy terrain. Think about crampons for enhanced grip in significantly icy situations.
Tip 4: Verify Highway Situations and Closures Commonly: Highway situations can change quickly. Seek the advice of the Icelandic Highway and Coastal Administration (Vegagerin) web site for up-to-the-minute info on highway closures, situations, and climate advisories.
Tip 5: Monitor Climate Forecasts Continuously: Iceland’s climate is thought for its variability. Keep knowledgeable about impending modifications by checking forecasts often from respected sources just like the Icelandic Meteorological Workplace (Vedur).
Tip 6: Plan Actions Round Daylight Hours: Restricted sunlight hours in January necessitate cautious planning. Schedule outside actions throughout daylight, permitting ample time for journey and potential delays attributable to climate.
Tip 7: Be Ready for Potential Journey Disruptions: Flights and highway journey might be disrupted by climate situations. Construct flexibility into itineraries and have contingency plans in case of delays or cancellations.
Tip 8: Pack a Headlamp or Flashlight: Restricted sunlight hours and potential energy outages make a headlamp or flashlight important for protected navigation in darkness.
Implementing the following tips enhances security, mitigates potential challenges, and maximizes enjoyment of Iceland’s distinctive winter atmosphere. Preparedness and adaptableness are key to a profitable January expertise.
By understanding and getting ready for the typical climate situations in Iceland in January, vacationers can confidently embark on a winter journey, geared up to navigate the challenges and admire the distinctive great thing about this outstanding panorama.
Common Climate in Iceland in January
Iceland’s January local weather presents a singular mix of challenges and alternatives. Common situations signify near-freezing temperatures, frequent precipitation (snow, rain, and sleet), restricted daylight, robust winds, and variable climate patterns. Coastal areas expertise milder temperatures however elevated wind publicity. Understanding these situations is paramount for protected and knowledgeable journey selections.
Efficient preparation, together with applicable clothes, cautious itinerary planning, and adherence to security tips, unlocks the potential for a rewarding winter expertise. Iceland’s January climate, whereas demanding respect and adaptableness, unveils a panorama of stark magnificence and the potential for witnessing the Aurora Borealis. Knowledgeable vacationers, geared up with the information of common situations and the knowledge to anticipate variability, can embrace the distinctive character of Iceland’s winter.
