The storm chaser in Iceland – he braves the storm when you snuggle inside

When you think about it, I may not the best ambassador for Iceland. I have written articles on the dark side of Thingvellir, the terrible consequences of the Laki eruption in the 18th century.  I am planning more articles on the morbid side of Icelandic history. I have also written about my frustration with hiking in Iceland when the weather is s***. In case you missed it, here is volume one and here is volume two. I am also quite candid about how the weather can turn quickly and that the northern lights are elusive. I have written about how people should dress in Iceland.  But there is at least one man who is not deterred by Icelandic weather. A man who is an enthusiastic storm chaser in Iceland and actually is most happy when the weather forecast is stormy.

Passion for stormy weather

I am talking about Muhammed Emin Kizilkaya who has lived here in Iceland for six years and speaks excellent Icelandic. I find that impressive simply because Icelandic is such a tough language to learn. He is getting his master’s degree in Sociology at the University of Iceland and he runs the travel company is Nicelandtour. But his passion is stormy weather.

Hey Muhammed, thank you for doing the interview, can you give me and my readers a little background information about yourself?

My name is Muhammed. I am 25 years old and currently studying Research Methods at the University of Iceland (social science faculty). I am also running a company called N Iceland Tours. As an active volunteer, I have helped set up an association called Félag Horizon. It promotes peace and consensus between people. I also help organizing Pangea Stærdfrædikeppni, the biggest math competition in Iceland. Most importantly, I AM A STORMCHASER and I think I am the Northernmost storm chaser in the world hehe. I am born and raised in Denmark but I have Kurdish roots.

So you like stormy weather. Iceland has many variants. What is your favorite?

My favorite is definitely snowstorms. No doubt about that! I am as well storm chasing in Denmark, and then I am targeting thunderstorms and waterspouts.

What is the worst weather you have been in here in Iceland and what was that like?

I would say one of the most extreme conditions that I experienced was in February 2018, where a sudden blizzard hit Iceland. You can actually see my video here

Are people able to join you when you go storm chasing?

I mean usually no. But I do as people sometimes if they want to join or not and then I am warning them many times about possible risks and that I am not responsible for any harm that might happen during the storm. And no. I do not accept everybody. They have to have some kind of experience.

What is your advice for dressing for bad Icelandic weather?

Icelandic woolen sweater – lopapeysa – under a jacket. Icelandic peysa is the best and warmest (and most comfortable) clothing as the peysa regulates the temperature. Mother nature! That is why sheep never freezes in the winter and never sweats during the summer.

Apart being the storm chaser in Iceland, what are your favorite places or things to do here in Iceland?

Going to the gym, playing frisbee golf, biking in snow, fishing, playing football, climbing mountain, swimming. Yeah those things

What advice would you give to those who are visiting Iceland for the first time?

This is not the Bahamas. Do not walk around with Nike shoes or whatever fancy-pancy when you are here in Iceland. Do not take 10 clothes on yourself. Rather buy 1 solid jacket such as North Face or 66North. Take some comfortable clothes with you and be ready for any weather outcome. Be prepared as well that any tours can be canceled anytime as the weather in the Northern Hemisphere can be very unpredictable!

I agree with Muhammed, please put safety first.