Sweden faces extreme weather with an orange heat warning in northeastern Norrland and a torrential rain warning in southeastern Småland. Temperatures could soar to 35°C, while up to a month's worth of rain may fall in a single day, causing potential flooding and travel disruptions.
Dual Weather Warnings: Heat in the North, Torrential Rain in the South
Dual Weather Warnings: Heat in the North, Torrential Rain in the South
The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has upgraded the yellow heat warning to an orange alert. Simultaneously, an orange warning for torrential rain has been issued for Småland.
"There are significant contrasts between the north and south," says meteorologist Josefine Qvarnesjö-Bergstedt.
The heat warning is in effect for northeastern Norrland from Tuesday to Friday, with daytime temperatures expected to reach at least 30 degrees Celsius.
"It will be very hot, with temperatures reaching up to 35 degrees in some areas," says Josefine Qvarnesjö-Bergstedt, a meteorologist at Storm Geo.
SMHI advises everyone in the area to pay attention to their body's signals, take it easy, and drink plenty of water.
The heat may also affect railway tracks, potentially leading to delayed and canceled train services.
A Month's Rainfall in a Day
The orange warning for torrential rain applies to southeastern Småland on Wednesday, but the surrounding area is also under a yellow weather warning.
Between 30-80 millimeters of rain is expected in a day as the Danish storm moves in.
"A heavy rain area is currently over parts of Skåne, including Trelleborg, Ystad, and Simrishamn. Overnight, it will move towards Kronoberg, Jönköping, and Kalmar counties," says Josefine Qvarnesjö-Bergstedt, adding:
"Typically, about 70-80 millimeters of rain falls in July in this area, which means a month's worth of precipitation could fall in a single day."
Major Contrasts Between North and South
SMHI warns of potential flooding in basements, roads, and underpasses in the affected areas. Motorists are urged to exercise extra caution to avoid hydroplaning and other accidents.
"There are significant contrasts between the north and south, but it's not unusual when such warm air holds more moisture, leading to heavy rain when it finally starts," says Josefine Qvarnesjö-Bergstedt.