Sweden's Christmas weather is turning unusual, with milder temperatures in the north than in the south. Meteorologist Fredrik Cronvall at SMHI predicts it could be warmer in Jokkmokk than in Skåne on Christmas Day. The holiday brings a mix of sun, rain, and snow, with warnings for mountain weather.
Sweden's Christmas holiday in 2024 features unusual weather patterns, with the north experiencing milder conditions than the south. SMHI meteorologist Fredrik Cronvall forecasts that temperatures in Jokkmokk could exceed those in Skåne on Christmas Day. Strong westerly winds from the Atlantic are bringing mild air to Norrland, especially Jämtland and Västernorrland, where it may reach up to five degrees Celsius on Christmas Eve evening and into Christmas Day night.
The warmest spots are expected around Sundsvall and Gävleborg, potentially hitting ten degrees Celsius on Christmas Day. In southern Sweden, such as Götaland, a high-pressure system brings chilly temperatures around freezing, up to zero at most, with clear weather. Sunshine is anticipated in some areas.
"It is these strong, hard westerly winds in Norrbotten that bring in mild air from the Atlantic. On Christmas Day, it could be warmer in Jokkmokk than in Skåne," says Fredrik Cronvall.
Despite the mildness, warnings are in place. SMHI has issued a yellow alert for rain and sudden icy conditions in northwestern Norrbotten and western Jämtland from Christmas Eve afternoon. An orange warning covers strong winds in the Lapland mountains and heavy precipitation in western Norrbotten and Västerbotten.
"It is troublesome up in the mountains with really unstable weather. Especially from this evening onward, expect gusts and large amounts of precipitation, both rain and snow," Cronvall says. SMHI advises against mountain visits due to poor visibility and risks of disorientation, even on open terrain in southern Västerbotten.
