Reykjavík Warnings Or Dangers Tips by Regina1965 Top 5 Page for this destination

Volcanic ash in Reykjavík.

On the 4th of June 2010 was the first time that we got a big volcanic ash cloud reaching Reykjavík. There had been some volcanic ash before blowing from Eyjafjallajökull, but on this day it was foggy outside and the airborne particles were way above health-limits reaching as high as ca 1.100 in some areas (50 being the health-limit). So people with asthma had to stay in.

My balcony was black from the ash and there was a thin layer of ash in my kitchen.

If the wind blows from the east (from where Eyjafjallajökull is situated) then we can expect this kind of situation here in Reykjavík this summer. This is annoying but nothing compared to what the farmers near Eyjafjallajökull have had to endure.

In 2012 we still get days in Reykjavík like this, especiallly during a drought.

Beware of ice falling on your head!

During wintertime, which lasts from October until end of April, we can get a lot of snow. For the past 10 years though winters in Reykjavík have been milder than before, due to Global warming, or whatever. But the winter of 2011 gave us a LOT of snow, reminding me of my childhood when there was snow for 7-8 months a year.

It doesn´t get very cold here in Reykjavík, ranging for plus numbers and -10 degrees C. So when there has been a lot of snow and then we get thaw we need to beware of icicles and snowbanks falling from the roofs of houses. This is ever so dangerous, and on several occasions I have had snowbanks falling right in front of my face. Icicles are worse, they can kill people. So during thaw never walk close to houses, which is especially difficult down-town and in the west-part of old Reykjavík, where side-walks have not been cleared and it is either walking on the street (not very popular) or constantly looking up and trying to stay on the left side of the side-walk.