Weather Chaos: Water Shortage and Extreme Fire Risk

Extreme fire risk in Norrland, acute water shortage threatening Gotland, and torrential rain expected over southern Sweden in the coming days. Here's how the midsummer weather is impacting the country right now.

In large parts of Norrland, it is currently very dry. In recent days, temperatures have exceeded 30 degrees Celsius. The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has issued a warning of a very high to extremely high risk of forest fires in the area.

The warning applies along the Baltic Sea coast just north of Bollnäs, diagonally past Sveg towards the Norwegian border, and then the rest of the country northwards.

Helicopters and Planes on Standby

The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) has eight firefighting helicopters and two planes on standby due to the risk of forest fires in northern Sweden.

The situation does not appear to be changing soon. For Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, SMHI has issued yellow warnings for high temperatures for the interior parts of central Norrland.

Critical Situation on Gotland

Meanwhile, on Gotland, after a prolonged period of low groundwater levels, Region Gotland is now sounding the alarm seriously.

Despite the region lowering the pressure in the water system, water consumption on the island has not decreased. So far in July, water consumption has, on the contrary, increased significantly.

According to Region Gotland, there is now a "high risk" that groundwater will run out, and the region cannot produce enough drinking water for all residents and visitors on the island.

If an acute water shortage occurs, household water taps will run dry, and recommendations to boil water will be introduced.

In an emergency, rationing may also be introduced, prioritizing certain essential services.

"Every Drop Counts"

The region is now urging everyone to immediately reduce their water usage and not to run taps at the same times of the day.

"Continue to save water – Every drop counts! It is important to spread out water consumption throughout the day," the region appeals.

Risk of Flooding in the South

Due to the severe situation, both Gotland and Norrland could benefit from rain. And there will be plenty of rain, but in other parts of the country.

On Wednesday and Thursday, heavy showers are expected over large parts of Götaland, prompting SMHI to issue yellow warnings for torrential rain over the area.

The large amounts of rain could lead to flooding in, for example, basements and stormwater systems, according to SMHI.

"Check if you can seal your basement or move items that risk being damaged by water," the weather authority advises.