The Swedish capital of Stockholm has recorded just 30 minutes of sunlight so far in December, putting it on track for the darkest December since 1934. Like the rest of the Nordic countries, Sweden is accustomed to long, dark winters, with shorter days and longer nights due to their northern location. This December, however, has been exceptionally gloomy and overcast. According to Swedish meteorologist Viktor Bergman, the area has had unstable low pressure systems with mild and humid weather, and that brings lots of clouds and little chance for the skies to clear. The average amount of sunlight in Stockholm for the full month of December is around 33 hours. The darkest December ever recorded in the Swedish capital was in 1934, when the amount of sunlight was so minimal that it was rounded down to zero hours. Stockholm has also had no real snowfall this winter, contributing to the sense of darkness as the reflection from snow on the ground helps brighten surroundings. “It’s looking very pessimistic for Christmas,” said Bergman.
