Arctic territory of Svalbard sees 'shocking' temperatures above freezing point

The Arctic archipelago of Svalbard has seen such extreme warmth this year that the average annual temperature could end up above freezing for the first time on record, scientists said.

Ketil Isaksen of the Norwegian Meterological Institute said the average temperature in Longyearbyen, the main settlement in Svalbard, is expected to be around 0C (32F) with a little over a month left of the year.