Sweden braces for severe weather as SMHI issues warnings for torrential rains across southern regions. With up to half a month's rainfall expected in just one day, the risk of flooding is high. The storm has already caused disruptions in parts of Västra and southern Sweden, with over 50 millimeters of rain recorded in Skåne. Meanwhile, northern regions experience a heatwave with temperatures soaring above 30 degrees.
Severe Weather Warnings as Torrential Rains Hit Sweden
Severe Weather Warnings as Torrential Rains Hit Sweden
Half a month's worth of rain could fall in just one day. The deluge has already caused disruptions in parts of western and southern Sweden. Several warnings have been issued across the country for Wednesday.
SMHI warns of torrential rain in large parts of southern Sweden on Wednesday. In the morning, the warning affects the western parts of southern Svealand and northern Götaland, later moving towards the southernmost parts of Sweden by the afternoon.
This increases the risk of flooding, both on roads and in basements.
Locally, up to 50 millimeters of rain could fall, according to Stormgeo meteorologist Josefine Qvarnesjö-Bergestedt.
"This corresponds to half a month's precipitation within a day. Additionally, there is expected to be heavy thunderstorms accompanying this rain," she says.
Over 50 Millimeters in Skåne
That amount of rain—and more—fell within a day in Örkelljunga, Skåne. From 8 AM Tuesday to 8 AM Wednesday, 56.66 millimeters of rain was recorded.
"That's a lot for a single day," says SMHI meteorologist Henrik Reimer.
There have also been thunderstorms in several areas. Over the past day, 2,400 lightning strikes have been recorded in the country, according to SMHI.
Trapped in Elevators
On Tuesday, the Nordstan shopping center in central Gothenburg was flooded. In the area around Gothenburg, the emergency services received several calls related to the storm.
"There were some calls last night, and there was also a thunderstorm, so a few people got briefly stuck in elevators and such. But nothing very serious," says the emergency services' operations manager.
A bit further away, in Kinna, the emergency services received about ten reports of flooded basements.
Heat Warning
Further north, it will be sunny and warm. SMHI has issued a notice about high temperatures for the inner parts of central Norrland.
"The maximum daytime temperature is expected to be at least 30 degrees or just above," writes SMHI and continues:
"Be aware of your body's warning signals, both for yourself and others. Drink water and take it easy. Keep an eye on indoor temperatures and find ways to cool down."
New Rainfall Record
Earlier this week, a new rainfall record was set in Härjedalen. On Monday evening, 4.9 millimeters of rain fell in Tännäs in one minute, the most intense rainfall SMHI has recorded. Over ten minutes, a total of 21.6 millimeters of rain fell.
Monday also became the summer's most thunderous day so far, with 3,865 lightning strikes recorded across the country.