Part 4/10:
Despite its volcanic origin, Jan Mayen experiences a tundra climate characterized by low temperatures and high precipitation levels. Average high temperatures remain below 50°F throughout the year, with August peaking at about 46°F. Interestingly, the island is caught between the east Greenland current and the Gulf Stream, making it the only landmass in the northern hemisphere where warm and cold ocean currents converge. This unique positioning leaves Jan Mayen vulnerable to climate change, particularly shifts in water temperatures that could disrupt its delicate ecosystem.
The island is also infamous for its foul weather, with an average of 51 inches of precipitation and over 240 cloudy days each year, making it cloudier than renowned cities like Seattle and Anchorage.