Iceland is experiencing an unusually colder summer than normal, with the country’s Met Office forecasting that things are going to remain chilly for the foreseeable future, particularly in the northern town of Akureyri.
The average temperature across July has been below 9°C, while renowned meteorologist and weatherman Trausti Jonsson has said it is likely to end up as the seventh coldest July in 67 years in Akureyri.
However, although the chillier climes may not be ideal for many of the tourists flocking to the North Atlantic island, it is perfect for those heading to Akureyri for a spot of whale-watching. Operators of tour guides in the region have revealed that the number of whales in and around Eyjafjordur bay this summer has increased, largely because of the drop in temperatures.
Ambassador Whale Watching manager Magnus Gudjonsson noted that the number of whales in the bay was unusually high, while they were also staying closer to the shore. He revealed that at least two, and up to 12 humpback whales had been sighted on every trip since May.
He went on to say that another reason there were more whales in the bay this summer was that there was more food for them, with a greater number of seabirds in particular. He added that for now, the bay remained “full of life”.