SMHI warns of high temperatures reaching up to 30°C this weekend, increasing the risk of forest fires in southern Sweden. Additionally, there is a significant risk of water shortages across the region, with low groundwater levels reported.
SMHI Issues Heat and Fire Warnings Amid Water Shortage Concerns
SMHI Issues Heat and Fire Warnings Amid Water Shortage Concerns
High temperatures and fire risks. SMHI warns that the heat is expected to reach up to 30°C this weekend, while the forests and fields remain dry. Additionally, there are warnings of water shortages throughout southern Sweden.
While Friday brings rain to many parts of the country, warm air is moving in from the east, and SMHI warns that maximum daytime temperatures are expected to reach between 25 and 30 degrees in the eastern parts of Norrbotten and Västerbotten counties.
"Northern Norrland will also experience occasional showers, but during the day in the coastal areas, it will mostly be dry and sunny. Temperatures will range from 20-25 degrees, with Tornedalen reaching up to 30," writes meteorologist Christopher Greenland in a comment on SMHI.
Forest Fire Warning
At the same time, there is a warning that the risk of forest and field fires is high to extremely high in parts of eastern Norrbotten county on Friday. This warning also covers large parts of Götaland and the southernmost part of Värmland county. Around Vänern and Vättern, the risk is extremely high.
The rest of the weekend is expected to bring showery weather in Götaland, Svealand, and southern Norrland, with a low-pressure system moving in from the west on Saturday.
SMHI's heat warning in the far north remains in effect until Saturday. It is expected to become slightly cooler on Sunday, with a high-pressure ridge bringing variable cloudiness and showers.
Risk of Water Shortage
Additionally, SMHI warns of water shortages throughout southern Sweden. In Uppsala, Stockholm, Västmanland, Södermanland, and Örebro counties, there is a risk of water shortages in small groundwater reservoirs. In the counties south of these, including Gotland and all the way down to Skåne, there are warnings of low levels in both small and large groundwater reservoirs, as well as low flows in watercourses.