Estonia opens ice road across frozen sea as temperatures plummet

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illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Euronews or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Estonia has opened a 20-kilometre “ice road” across the frozen Soela Strait, linking the islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa after weeks of temperatures near –10°C
• Authorities formalised the route after residents began crossing the ice unofficially, while ferries struggled in heavy freeze conditions

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The cold snap is linked to disruptions in the polar vortex and persistent high-pressure “blocking” systems that allowed Arctic air to spill south
• Some scientists suggest record-low Arctic sea ice and a weakening jet stream may increase the likelihood and duration of such extremes, highlighting how climate change can intensify atmospheric instability, even as overall global temperatures rise

🔭 The context: Ice roads were once more common in Estonia but have become rare in recent years due to milder winters
• Officials require at least 24 cm of ice thickness for vehicles up to 2.5 tonnes, with strict speed and safety rules enforced

💬 One quote: “It’s in their blood to go to the sea and step out on the ice.” – Hiiumaa Mayor Hergo Tasuja

📈 One stat: The route stretches roughly 20 kilometres across the Baltic Sea

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