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Weather forecast

Weather forecast for the next 24 hours

North and northwest 10-18 m/s with locally gale-force winds near mountains, but lighter and more westerly winds in the east. Snowfall and blowing snow in many parts, but mostly dry in the south. Temperatures about freezing.
Northwesterly winds, 8-15 m/s tomorrow, but locally 15-20 m/s in the southeast until early afternoon. Wintry showers in most places, but partly fair in the southeast. Temperatures 0 and 5 deg. C.
Forecast made 12.03.2026 22:13

Forecaster's remarks

Northern blizzard in the northwest parts can cause traffic difficulties.
Also, expecting locally gale force winds in the southwest part until night.

See weather warnings.
Prepared by the meteorologist on duty 12.03.2026 22:13

If the map and the text forecast differs, then the text forecast applies

Station forecasts

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Whole country

Maximum wind in Iceland today

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Maximum and minimum temperature in Iceland today

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Maximum precipitation in Iceland today

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Maximum wind in Iceland during the last hour

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Maximum and minimum temperature in Iceland during the last hour

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Preliminary results

Observations from weather station

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Earthquakes

Earthquakes during last 48 hours. at 13 Mar 05:10 GMT

Preliminary results

Biggest earthquakes during the last 48 hours

Size	Time	Quality	Location
3.7	12 Mar 11:47:51	Checked	2.7 km W of Landmannalaugar
1.7	12 Mar 14:18:54	50.0	15.4 km WSW of Kópasker
1.6	12 Mar 06:20:41	Checked	17.1 km W of Kópasker

Specialist remark

Today March 12th at 11:48 an earthquake M3.7 was detected around 3 km West of Landmannalaugar. The earthquake was at 1.3 km deep and was felt in the vicinity. Several aftershocks have been detected. This is the largest earthquake since January 2019 and August 2018 when earthquakes of M3.7 were also detected.
Written by a specialist at 12 Mar 19:53 GMT

Week overview -

Earthquake activity throughout the country is described in a weekly summary that is written by a Natural Hazard Specialist. The weekly summary is published on the web every Tuesday. It covers the activity of the previous week in all seismic areas and volcanic systems in the country. If earthquake swarms are ongoing or significant events such as larger earthquakes have occurred during the week, they are specifically discussed. More

Larger map of earthquakes

Hydrology

Average flow and temperature last 24 hours

River	Place	Flow	Water temperature

Remarks of a specialist

Winter conditions are prevalent in many rivers, ice dams may form. There is an ice dam in Héraðsvötn and water has approached road 1, please proceed with caution.

Due to malfunction we have turned off the service publishing hydrological data on the map. Instead see the data using our Real-time monitoring system.
Written by a specialist at 12 Mar 15:57 GMT

More hydrological information

Measurement map

News

Magma accumulation beneath Svartsengi approaches 23 million cubic meters since the last eruption - 3.3.2026

Magma has been accumulating beneath Svartsengi for around 210 days, making this the longest continuous accumulation period since the eruptive episode along the Sundhnúkur crater row began in December 2023. If magma accumulation continues at the same rate, it can be expected that by next week the total volume of magma accumulated since the last eruption will be the largest recorded between eruptions since the start of the eruptive episode. Read more

Nordic report on the impacts of a AMOC tipping urges stronger mitigation, monitoring and preparedness - 5.2.2026

The report A Nordic Perspective on AMOC Tipping reviews the current state of science on the impacts of potential Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) collapse and provides recommendations for policy actions.

The weather in Iceland in 2025 - 4.2.2026

The year 2025 was the warmest year in Iceland since measurements began. The national average temperature was 5.2 °C, which is 1.1 °C above the average for the years 1991–2020 and the highest ever recorded. Temperatures were well above average for almost every month of the year. The spring weather was exceptionally favourable; it was the warmest spring ever recorded nationwide, and May was by far the warmest May on record. In mid-May, a 10-day heatwave occurred across the entire country. It was the most significant heatwave known in Iceland for the month of May. Overall, the weather in 2025 was unusually calm, with few stormy days and generally favourable conditions. It was relatively wet at the beginning of the year but dry toward the end. Snow cover was light across the entire country.

SeisComP becomes the new primary earthquake monitoring system of the Icelandic Meteorological Office - 3.2.2026

The implementation of SeisComP represents a major step forward in the development of the IMO's earthquake monitoring capabilities. Preparations have been underway for several years, and the system transition involves both technical and procedural changes aimed at improving analytical capability, data dissemination, and providing a more modern working environment for specialists.

The ninth eruption on the Sundhnúkur crater row has ended - 5.8.2025

Updated 5 August

The volcanic eruption that began on 16 July on the Sundhnúkur crater row is now officially over, and a new hazard map has been issued. Despite the end of the eruption, life-threatening conditions remain in the area due to unstable lava and the potential for gas pollution. Uplift has resumed, and magma continues to accumulate beneath Svartsengi.

Heavy thunder and lightning in Northwest Iceland and the Westfjords - 16.7.2025

By 11:00, more than 450 lightning strikes had been recorded since the activity began.

Older news

Short articles

Safetravel in winter

Increasingly, tourists come in winter to enjoy the beauty of the northern lights. Safety while travelling is always crucial, especially in winter conditions.

The web-site Safetravel is run by ICE-SAR in order to minimize the risk of accidents in travelling and tourism in Iceland.

Thorough information on safe travelling can be found there. The 112 Iceland app can be downloaded and your travel plan can be left in safe hands before you go. Additionally, a personal location beacon can be rented at two pick-up places.