Kebnekaise’s snow-covered southern peak was previously higher than the northern peak, but after battling global warming for years it melted below the other peak in 2018. The northern peak, which is not covered in snow, stands at 2,096.8 metres above sea level.

According to Stockholm University’s research team at Tarfala, the southern peak now only reaches 2,089.9 metres.

The southern peak is covered by a 30 metre deep glacier, but if it continues to melt at the same pace, the ice could be gone in ten years.

“I think within the foreseeable future we have to expect a southern peak without ice,” said glaciology professor Nina Kirchner.

The average temperature in August reached 9.1C at Kebnekaise, compared to 6.5C on average for the past ten years.

RAIN AND FLOODS:

• How global heating could alter Nordic summers

In other concerning climate-related news, the Sylmassivet area of the Jämtland mountains – some 600 kilometres south of Kebnekaise – has completely collapsed after the summer’s mix of heatwaves and heavy rain, reports Swedish public broadcasters P4 Jämtland and SVT Nyheter Jämtland.

The glacier is melting at its fastest rate since records began in the mid-1960s, which poses heightened risks to visitors.

“It’s an ice avalanche which is deadly to say the least,” glaciology professor Per Holmlund told SVT. 

He warned against walking below the glacier, as there’s a risk of avalanches and landslides.

Swedish county authorities said there’s no risk to hikers as long as they stick to the designated path.