Ketil Isaksen
@ketilisaksen.bsky.social
Senior scientist at the Norwegian Meteorological Institute.
Focusing on permafrost thermal dynamics and climate change in the Arctic and European mountain areas. Long-term permafrost monitoring
Focusing on permafrost thermal dynamics and climate change in the Arctic and European mountain areas. Long-term permafrost monitoring
Pinned
Ketil Isaksen
@ketilisaksen.bsky.social
· Aug 18
PNAS
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), a peer reviewed journal of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) - an authoritative source of high-impact, original research that broadly spans...
www.pnas.org
Our latest research investigates the remarkable heatwave that affected part of the Arctic in the summer of 2024. It caused a 1 percent loss in Svalbard's ice, making this region one of the most significant contributors to global sea-level rise last year www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
‘Explosion of melt rates’: 20% of Swiss glaciers lost in five years www.theguardian.com/environment/...
‘Explosion of melt rates’: 20% of Swiss glaciers lost in five years
Alpine regions in Europe experiencing extreme glacier collapse due to heat-trapping effects of fossil fuel pollution
www.theguardian.com
October 1, 2026 at 5:47 AM
‘Explosion of melt rates’: 20% of Swiss glaciers lost in five years www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Ketil Isaksen
Remember the catastrophic rock-ice avalanche of Blatten 🇨🇭 this May?
This incredible image comparison shows like nothing else the darkening of mountain peaks.
And along with the disappearance of snow, ice and permafrost, new hazards come along
@vaw-glaciology.bsky.social
This incredible image comparison shows like nothing else the darkening of mountain peaks.
And along with the disappearance of snow, ice and permafrost, new hazards come along
@vaw-glaciology.bsky.social
October 1, 2025 at 10:18 AM
Remember the catastrophic rock-ice avalanche of Blatten 🇨🇭 this May?
This incredible image comparison shows like nothing else the darkening of mountain peaks.
And along with the disappearance of snow, ice and permafrost, new hazards come along
@vaw-glaciology.bsky.social
This incredible image comparison shows like nothing else the darkening of mountain peaks.
And along with the disappearance of snow, ice and permafrost, new hazards come along
@vaw-glaciology.bsky.social
Reposted by Ketil Isaksen
Mont Blanc this morning! 😍
After this terrible summer 'La Jonction' between Grands Mulets and Bossons Glaciers (lower left) doesn't exist anymore... 🧊🔥😭
After this terrible summer 'La Jonction' between Grands Mulets and Bossons Glaciers (lower left) doesn't exist anymore... 🧊🔥😭
September 12, 2026 at 8:10 AM
Mont Blanc this morning! 😍
After this terrible summer 'La Jonction' between Grands Mulets and Bossons Glaciers (lower left) doesn't exist anymore... 🧊🔥😭
After this terrible summer 'La Jonction' between Grands Mulets and Bossons Glaciers (lower left) doesn't exist anymore... 🧊🔥😭
August 2026 was the warmest August on record globally - climate.copernicus.eu/surface-air-...
September 10, 2026 at 5:16 AM
August 2026 was the warmest August on record globally - climate.copernicus.eu/surface-air-...
Reposted by Ketil Isaksen
The #Arctic (land & seas poleward north of 60ºN) finished up with the warmest summer on record in ERA5 data from @copernicusecmwf.bsky.social. The five warmest summers all since 2016. However, within 1100km (700 miles) of the North Pole (80° to 90°N) this was the coolest summer since 2014. #Climate
September 6, 2026 at 9:45 PM
The #Arctic (land & seas poleward north of 60ºN) finished up with the warmest summer on record in ERA5 data from @copernicusecmwf.bsky.social. The five warmest summers all since 2016. However, within 1100km (700 miles) of the North Pole (80° to 90°N) this was the coolest summer since 2014. #Climate
Reposted by Ketil Isaksen
Permafrost is thawing deeper and it’s happening worldwide.
A new study of 156 monitoring sites found that the active layer, the soil that thaws each summer, increased significantly at many sites from 2000–2024.
www.nature.com/articles/s43...
A new study of 156 monitoring sites found that the active layer, the soil that thaws each summer, increased significantly at many sites from 2000–2024.
www.nature.com/articles/s43...
Long-term monitoring of active layer thickness confirms global permafrost degradation - Communications Earth & Environment
Active-layer thickness increased at 55% and 38% of Arctic and Antarctic sites, and >90% in European, Asian, and South American mountains, driven by increasing thawing degree-days and rainfall, acco...
www.nature.com
August 30, 2026 at 4:07 PM
Permafrost is thawing deeper and it’s happening worldwide.
A new study of 156 monitoring sites found that the active layer, the soil that thaws each summer, increased significantly at many sites from 2000–2024.
www.nature.com/articles/s43...
A new study of 156 monitoring sites found that the active layer, the soil that thaws each summer, increased significantly at many sites from 2000–2024.
www.nature.com/articles/s43...
Reposted by Ketil Isaksen
Here's the direct-to-slides re: 3 consequences of losing US Federal support for the NOAA Arctic Report Card.
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With climate science resources more scattered than ever, climate literacy—which includes the ability to identify and evaluate credible sources—has never been more critical. 🧠
August 20, 2026 at 5:39 PM
Here's the direct-to-slides re: 3 consequences of losing US Federal support for the NOAA Arctic Report Card.
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Reposted by Ketil Isaksen
These images of First Nations community members evacuating Collins, Ontario on motorboats are absolutely surreal
www.facebook.com/reel/1548244...
www.facebook.com/reel/1548244...
July 15, 2026 at 9:29 PM
These images of First Nations community members evacuating Collins, Ontario on motorboats are absolutely surreal
www.facebook.com/reel/1548244...
www.facebook.com/reel/1548244...
Reposted by Ketil Isaksen
Longyearbyen (Svalbard) measured it's warmest June on record.
🌡️ Monthly mean temperature: 6.4°C
Already surpassing the June of the record summer 2024 (6.1°C)
🌡️ Monthly mean temperature: 6.4°C
Already surpassing the June of the record summer 2024 (6.1°C)
July 1, 2026 at 9:04 AM
Longyearbyen (Svalbard) measured it's warmest June on record.
🌡️ Monthly mean temperature: 6.4°C
Already surpassing the June of the record summer 2024 (6.1°C)
🌡️ Monthly mean temperature: 6.4°C
Already surpassing the June of the record summer 2024 (6.1°C)
Reposted by Ketil Isaksen
"Climate Shift Index (CSI) levels of 5 — the highest possible — are forecast across the eastern U.S., meaning human-caused climate change made this extreme heat at least 5x more likely. This signals an exceptional climate-influenced event." 🔥
➡️ Learn more: www.climatecentral.org/climate-shif...
➡️ Learn more: www.climatecentral.org/climate-shif...
July 1, 2026 at 12:07 PM
"Climate Shift Index (CSI) levels of 5 — the highest possible — are forecast across the eastern U.S., meaning human-caused climate change made this extreme heat at least 5x more likely. This signals an exceptional climate-influenced event." 🔥
➡️ Learn more: www.climatecentral.org/climate-shif...
➡️ Learn more: www.climatecentral.org/climate-shif...
🌡️ Unprecedented June heat across Svalbard, led by extreme spikes at the highest latitudes! Final monthly data shows Karl XII-øya (80.65N) shattered its June record reaching 0.8°C (prev 0.2°C), while Verlegenhuken (80.05N) crushed its 2024 record by a massive 0.8°C, hitting 3.2°C.
July 1, 2026 at 6:35 AM
🌡️ Unprecedented June heat across Svalbard, led by extreme spikes at the highest latitudes! Final monthly data shows Karl XII-øya (80.65N) shattered its June record reaching 0.8°C (prev 0.2°C), while Verlegenhuken (80.05N) crushed its 2024 record by a massive 0.8°C, hitting 3.2°C.
Reposted by Ketil Isaksen
We are late June, and while we should be admiring snow-capped 4,000ers peaks, there is absolutely no snow left even at the highest elevations! ❄️🧊🔥
Here electric light over Moming Glacier few minutes before a large storm ⚡
Zinalrothorn (4,221 m asl) at the background 🏔️
Here electric light over Moming Glacier few minutes before a large storm ⚡
Zinalrothorn (4,221 m asl) at the background 🏔️
June 29, 2026 at 7:51 PM
We are late June, and while we should be admiring snow-capped 4,000ers peaks, there is absolutely no snow left even at the highest elevations! ❄️🧊🔥
Here electric light over Moming Glacier few minutes before a large storm ⚡
Zinalrothorn (4,221 m asl) at the background 🏔️
Here electric light over Moming Glacier few minutes before a large storm ⚡
Zinalrothorn (4,221 m asl) at the background 🏔️
Reposted by Ketil Isaksen
My next “climate viz of the month” blog is out, which describes a historic extreme event for sea ice conditions in the Barents Sea region of the Arctic this summer: zacklabe.com/climate-viz-...
#DataViz #SciComm #OpenScience #OpenData
#DataViz #SciComm #OpenScience #OpenData
Climate Viz of the Month
May 2026 Hi! And thanks for visiting! My next ‘climate viz of the month’ blog highlights a region of the Arctic that is no stranger to extreme events or climate change: the Barents Sea. In fact, th…
zacklabe.com
June 29, 2026 at 12:36 AM
My next “climate viz of the month” blog is out, which describes a historic extreme event for sea ice conditions in the Barents Sea region of the Arctic this summer: zacklabe.com/climate-viz-...
#DataViz #SciComm #OpenScience #OpenData
#DataViz #SciComm #OpenScience #OpenData
Svalbard just shattered its spring temperature record 🚨
Average spring temperature (Mar-May) at Svalbard Airport ended at an unprecedented -2.9 °C - beating the previous 2016 record by 1.0 °C.
The new Top 3 warmest springs since 1899:
1. 2026: -2.9°C
2. 2016: -3.9°C
3. 2006: -4.0°C
Average spring temperature (Mar-May) at Svalbard Airport ended at an unprecedented -2.9 °C - beating the previous 2016 record by 1.0 °C.
The new Top 3 warmest springs since 1899:
1. 2026: -2.9°C
2. 2016: -3.9°C
3. 2006: -4.0°C
June 2, 2026 at 12:28 PM
Svalbard just shattered its spring temperature record 🚨
Average spring temperature (Mar-May) at Svalbard Airport ended at an unprecedented -2.9 °C - beating the previous 2016 record by 1.0 °C.
The new Top 3 warmest springs since 1899:
1. 2026: -2.9°C
2. 2016: -3.9°C
3. 2006: -4.0°C
Average spring temperature (Mar-May) at Svalbard Airport ended at an unprecedented -2.9 °C - beating the previous 2016 record by 1.0 °C.
The new Top 3 warmest springs since 1899:
1. 2026: -2.9°C
2. 2016: -3.9°C
3. 2006: -4.0°C
Reposted by Ketil Isaksen
Today has been the hottest day in May on record with Kew Gardens provisionally reaching 34.8°C - exceeding the previous highest May temperature in the UK by a full 2 degrees Celsius🌡️
This heat would be exceptional in the UK even in mid summer, let alone in May📈
This heat would be exceptional in the UK even in mid summer, let alone in May📈
May 25, 2026 at 3:53 PM
Today has been the hottest day in May on record with Kew Gardens provisionally reaching 34.8°C - exceeding the previous highest May temperature in the UK by a full 2 degrees Celsius🌡️
This heat would be exceptional in the UK even in mid summer, let alone in May📈
This heat would be exceptional in the UK even in mid summer, let alone in May📈
Reposted by Ketil Isaksen
None of us alive will experience climate better than what we have now. How much worse it gets is up to us.
2026 Has Already Broken Climate Records. El Niño Could Break More. - Eos
As the midpoint of the year approaches, several climate records have already been broken. Arctic winter sea ice extent reached a record low. Several countries saw record-breaking winter heat waves. An...
eos.org
May 12, 2026 at 4:18 AM
None of us alive will experience climate better than what we have now. How much worse it gets is up to us.
Reposted by Ketil Isaksen
📣Out now! We are pleased to release the European State of the Climate 2025 report, published jointly by #CopernicusClimate @ecmwf.int & @wmo-global.bsky.social. Explore climate conditions, key events of 2025 in Europe, long-term climate indicators, climate policy and action for biodiversity, more! ⬇️
April 29, 2026 at 6:01 AM
📣Out now! We are pleased to release the European State of the Climate 2025 report, published jointly by #CopernicusClimate @ecmwf.int & @wmo-global.bsky.social. Explore climate conditions, key events of 2025 in Europe, long-term climate indicators, climate policy and action for biodiversity, more! ⬇️
Svalbard is thawing in April, and it’s not supposed to. 2026 ground temperatures at 0.2m depth in Svalbard spiking to 0°C in April, far exceeding the 1998-2025 median and maximum
April 21, 2026 at 1:58 PM
Svalbard is thawing in April, and it’s not supposed to. 2026 ground temperatures at 0.2m depth in Svalbard spiking to 0°C in April, far exceeding the 1998-2025 median and maximum
Reposted by Ketil Isaksen
An exceptionally strong storm in the Norwegian Arctic zone, with wave heights exceeding 10 m. 🌊🧊
#Sentinel-1 data shows how the storm pushed the ice edge over 100 km northward over a couple of days! gif 👉 #CDSE
#Sentinel-1 data shows how the storm pushed the ice edge over 100 km northward over a couple of days! gif 👉 #CDSE
March 10, 2026 at 12:17 PM
An exceptionally strong storm in the Norwegian Arctic zone, with wave heights exceeding 10 m. 🌊🧊
#Sentinel-1 data shows how the storm pushed the ice edge over 100 km northward over a couple of days! gif 👉 #CDSE
#Sentinel-1 data shows how the storm pushed the ice edge over 100 km northward over a couple of days! gif 👉 #CDSE
Reposted by Ketil Isaksen
Aldri før har vi registrert et så varmt år som 2025🌡️
De høye temperaturene er sterkt knyttet til menneskeskapte klimaendringer, ifølge en helt ny rapport.
Sammenligner vi temperaturen i 2025 med før-industriell tid (1871-1900), var det 2,8 grader varmere i 2025.
👉 www.met.no/nyhetsarkiv/...
De høye temperaturene er sterkt knyttet til menneskeskapte klimaendringer, ifølge en helt ny rapport.
Sammenligner vi temperaturen i 2025 med før-industriell tid (1871-1900), var det 2,8 grader varmere i 2025.
👉 www.met.no/nyhetsarkiv/...
January 8, 2026 at 9:07 AM
Aldri før har vi registrert et så varmt år som 2025🌡️
De høye temperaturene er sterkt knyttet til menneskeskapte klimaendringer, ifølge en helt ny rapport.
Sammenligner vi temperaturen i 2025 med før-industriell tid (1871-1900), var det 2,8 grader varmere i 2025.
👉 www.met.no/nyhetsarkiv/...
De høye temperaturene er sterkt knyttet til menneskeskapte klimaendringer, ifølge en helt ny rapport.
Sammenligner vi temperaturen i 2025 med før-industriell tid (1871-1900), var det 2,8 grader varmere i 2025.
👉 www.met.no/nyhetsarkiv/...
Reposted by Ketil Isaksen
#CopernicusClimate has released its first data from the Copernicus pan-Arctic Regional Reanalysis (CARRA2): 2.5 km pan‑Arctic coverage, 24 years of data in the Climate Data Store, more realistic physics & improved details for local extremes, lots of added details with respect to ERA5.
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December 10, 2025 at 1:17 PM
#CopernicusClimate has released its first data from the Copernicus pan-Arctic Regional Reanalysis (CARRA2): 2.5 km pan‑Arctic coverage, 24 years of data in the Climate Data Store, more realistic physics & improved details for local extremes, lots of added details with respect to ERA5.
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Reposted by Ketil Isaksen
Record warm conditions continue in the northernmost portions of the #Arctic Ocean, near the North Pole. This anomalous warmth is forecast to continue over the next week or so too.
More graphics: zacklabe.com/arctic-tempe...
More graphics: zacklabe.com/arctic-tempe...
October 18, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Record warm conditions continue in the northernmost portions of the #Arctic Ocean, near the North Pole. This anomalous warmth is forecast to continue over the next week or so too.
More graphics: zacklabe.com/arctic-tempe...
More graphics: zacklabe.com/arctic-tempe...
Reposted by Ketil Isaksen
Jeg tror dette er godt kjent blant alle som jobber med planlegging i Norge: Vi er verst i Europa på å bygge ned natur.
NRK avslører europeisk naturtap: Norge topper verstingliste
www.nrk.no
October 1, 2025 at 4:50 AM
Jeg tror dette er godt kjent blant alle som jobber med planlegging i Norge: Vi er verst i Europa på å bygge ned natur.
Reposted by Ketil Isaksen
Incredible ice loss measured again at #Konkordiaplatz on the #Aletsch #Glacier, home to the thickest ice in the #Alps (still about 800 m!). Yesterday’s survey revealed another –4.6 m of ice gone in just one year. :(
Measurements by @matthias-huss.bsky.social for GLAMOS
Measurements by @matthias-huss.bsky.social for GLAMOS
September 16, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Incredible ice loss measured again at #Konkordiaplatz on the #Aletsch #Glacier, home to the thickest ice in the #Alps (still about 800 m!). Yesterday’s survey revealed another –4.6 m of ice gone in just one year. :(
Measurements by @matthias-huss.bsky.social for GLAMOS
Measurements by @matthias-huss.bsky.social for GLAMOS
Witnessing the rapid and extensive thawing of permafrost in Svalbard is truly impressive but deeply concerning
August 21, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Witnessing the rapid and extensive thawing of permafrost in Svalbard is truly impressive but deeply concerning