Warm weather and dwindling snow already threaten Europe’s longest kayak race in Norway

The melting snow runs towards the sea between snow patches and bare shrubs. In the background, snow -slope lining. — Normally, the weather in the northern Calotte region in Norway, Sweden and Finland is quite cold at this time of year. Now it has been unusually warm in the area. Snow from the Norwegian mountains on its way to the Ersfjorden fjord. Archival photo.

According to the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation, the Finnmarksløpet dog sledding competition routes may have to be modified due to warm weather and low snowfall.

Snowfall and warm weather are threatening Europe’s longest dog sleds in Finnmarksløpet, says NRK Norwegian broadcasting company. Usually the weather in January-February in Northern Norway is well frosty. However, this winter in the north has been raining and temperatures have been over zero for a long time.

– Driving such long distances is demanding, given the dogs’ fluid balance, Holm says in an interview with NRK.

According to Andersen, the weather has become increasingly uncertain in the area in recent years.

– This is the new normal. It may be very cold for a while, and suddenly it is six degrees and rain.

The Finnmarkslopet Dog Squadron will be advertised as the longest and toughest team in Europe. The longest route for the classic race is a total of 1200 kilometers and runs from Alta to Kirkkoniemi. If necessary, according to Andersen, the route is ready to move further north.

The race is scheduled to start in just over two weeks, March 14th.