A snowstorm is expected to hit nearly all of Sweden from mid-week, with up to two decimeters of snow in some areas. Meteorologists warn of difficult traffic conditions due to heavy snowfall, wind, and slushy roads. Cold air will persist for several days, though forecasts may change quickly.
Snow begins to arrive in the country from Wednesday, with northern parts of Götaland affected first. According to meteorologist Lasse Rydqvist at Klart, it could turn white already then, and from mid-week, one to two decimeters of snow is expected in many areas. The heaviest snowfall is likely on Thursday, when snow could fall almost everywhere on the mainland due to cold air covering all of Sweden.
Rydqvist describes the weather as quite troublesome: “It will be heavy snowfall at the same time as it's windy. That means visibility can become quite poor in many places. At the same time, it's a bit transitional in terms of temperature. So it can become very slushy out on the roads. Overall, it's about fairly difficult conditions in traffic. Especially now when we're quite unaccustomed at this time of year.” The snow appears likely to remain for a few days thanks to persistent cold air, offering chances for walks in a winter landscape.
SMHI meteorologist Anna Belking provides a similar picture but emphasizes local variations. Wet snow is expected in southern Götaland on Tuesday, with perhaps a few centimeters on the ground: “There are large local variations. In some places, nothing might fall, and in others, a little bit. It's likely to be quite wet.” Wednesday brings snow to larger parts, including Svealand, from precipitation moving in over the west coast. Thursday could see stronger impacts: “There could be a bit stronger elements that can make it problematic in traffic, and something we're following up on. You need to take it a bit carefully.”
On Monday, SMHI warned of snowfall in eastern Svealand and black ice in Halland. The weekend will be chilly, but forecasts for next week are uncertain due to diverging low-pressure systems. Rydqvist recommends checking warnings as forecasts can change quickly.