Spring flowers like these early March snowdrops and aconites have bloomed weeks ahead of schedule in Stockholm, Sweden, which has recorded its mildest winter since records began in 1756.

The season didn't even officially occur in the south of the country. Swedish authorities typically announce winter's arrival when average temperatures fall below freezing for seven consecutive days—that didn't happen this year.

Finland also registered its warmest winter on record, with average temperatures about 9 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius) higher than average.

Southern Finland had only 20 days of snow cover this year, although it usually lasts for at least 70 days.

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