Europe is currently experiencing extreme weather conditions, with stark contrasts between freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall in the Nordic region, and strong winds and heavy rain causing flooding in western Europe. Transportation has been disrupted, schools closed, and at least one death has been reported.

For the second consecutive day, temperatures plummeted below minus 40 degrees Celsius (minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit) in the Nordic region. The lowest January temperature recorded in Sweden in 25 years was reported in Kvikkjokk-Årrenjarka, Swedish Lapland, where the mercury dropped to minus 43.6 degrees Celsius (minus 46.5 degrees Fahrenheit). Gale-force winds, heavy snow, and extreme cold have disrupted transportation, leading to the closure of several bridges, suspension of train and ferry services, and closure of schools across Scandinavia.

The disruptive weather has also reached Denmark, where motorists are being urged to avoid unnecessary trips due to strong winds and heavy snowfall in the northern and western parts of the country. In Russia, temperatures in Moscow and other areas have plunged to minus 30 degrees Celsius (minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit), significantly below the average temperature for early January. Orange weather warnings have been issued in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other areas, cautioning residents about potential health risks.

While the Nordic region battles freezing temperatures, western Europe is grappling with severe storms, flooding, and high winds. In the United Kingdom, a driver tragically lost his life when a tree fell on his car in western England. The storm, named Henk by the weather services of Britain, Ireland, and the Netherlands, has caused power cuts, transport disruptions, property damage, and evacuations across the UK. Over 300 flood warnings have been issued for England and Wales, with 10,000 homes still without power. The River Nene in Northampton is under a severe flood alert, endangering lives, and residents of houseboats and caravans have been evacuated at Billing Aquadrome.

The Netherlands has also experienced the impact of strong winds, with a 75-year-old man tragically falling off his bicycle near Eindhoven. Additionally, a small section of a water-regulating dike was washed away near Maastricht, leading to the evacuation of owners of houseboats as a precautionary measure.

In France, heavy rains have caused flooding in the northern regions of Pas-de-Calais and Nord since Sunday. Approximately 200 people have been evacuated, and 10,000 households have lost power. Roads in Blendecques have turned into waterways, and authorities have advised residents in flood-prone areas to restrict their movements until water levels recede. Emergency workers from France and neighboring countries have mobilized for rescue operations and to clear roads.

The weather service in France has maintained flood and wind warnings for several regions, including those bordering Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany. More rainfall is expected, with wind speeds reaching up to 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour).

Parts of Germany, particularly the northwestern state of Lower Saxony, are also grappling with flooding. The situation could worsen with additional rainfall in the affected areas.

As Europe faces these extreme weather conditions, authorities and emergency services are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of residents and minimize the impact on infrastructure and transportation.