North Pole: multiple lightning strikes follow record-low sea ice levels

'Furthest north lightning strikes in Alaska forecaster memory' hit as high temperatures and widespread fires plague region

Multiple lightning strikes have been observed 300 miles from the North Pole, according to the US National Weather Service, in the latest sign of extreme changes to the Arctic environment.

The strikes, detected by the NWS station in Fairbanks, Alaska, were produced by towering storm clouds. They were detected on Saturday, and while not unique, come as the region is experiencing record-low sea ice levels, high temperatures and widespread fires on areas of tundra.