After a long cold spell, warmer temperatures and precipitation are expected in southern Sweden over the weekend. SMHI warns of risks such as slippery roads and frostbite in the north. Meteorologists note a shift from high pressure to low pressure.
Sweden has been gripped by persistent cold for nearly two months, but milder air is now approaching, especially in the southern regions. According to SMHI meteorologist Linus Falk, the dominant high pressure will be replaced by a low pressure system from the west starting Friday evening. This will bring higher temperatures and precipitation to the west coast and Götaland.
"On Saturday, we could see temperatures at zero or a few plus degrees in Götaland and southern Svealand," says SMHI meteorologist Caroline Vahlberg. The precipitation will be mixed: rain in the southern parts but snow in the north, where cold air persists. SMHI has issued a yellow warning for strong chill effect in the northern Lapland mountains on Friday, with temperatures dropping to around minus 30 degrees and a high risk of frostbite. "Take shelter from the wind and be alert to the body's warning signals," SMHI advises.
In Götaland, heavy precipitation could lead to a snowfall warning, according to Falk. The deep frost in the ground means roads will remain cold, increasing the risk of slippery conditions if rain falls. "If rain falls on cold road surfaces, there is definitely a risk of slippery roads," warns Vahlberg.
Despite the milder trend toward the end of February, variations persist: cold in the north but warmer in the south. However, Friday night and morning will still be very cold before the change. Increased wind may slightly ease electricity bills.
