Record-Breaking Temperatures in January Along Greenland’s West Coast

Danish Meteorological Institute, 16 February 2026

Greenland’s west coast experienced its warmest January on record, with Nuuk recording the highest monthly average temperature in its measurement history and multiple towns setting new monthly highs along a 2,000-kilometer stretch of coastline. In Nuuk, the monthly average surpassed the 1991-2020 climate norm, while Ilulissat exceeded its previous January record. Such widespread and prolonged warmth on Greenland is unusual, even though occasional warm air events occur. The clustering of heat records reflects ongoing warming, with the Arctic heating 3 to 4 times faster than the global average. These warmer conditions are reducing coastal sea ice extent and thickness, affecting important sectors such as fishing, mining, and tourism.

Danish Meteorological Institute | News Coverage