Severe Cold and Heavy Snow Hit Sweden with Warnings of Minus 40°C and Major Disruptions

Sweden is currently experiencing a severe cold spell combined with intense snow showers, prompting the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) to issue widespread weather warnings. Several regions across eastern Svealand and southern Norrland face heavy snowfall accumulation of up to 30 centimeters, leading to significant traffic disruptions and delays.

Meteorologist Emma Härenstam highlighted the rapidly developing snow showers, particularly affecting Svealand and Norrland. The Gävle area, extending from Sundsvall to eastern Dalarna and southeastern Jämtland, is among the hardest hit, with snow depths expected to reach 10 to 20 centimeters and up to 30 centimeters in localized spots. In eastern Svealand, precipitation is forecast to result in 5 to 10 centimeters of snow by Tuesday afternoon, with warnings extending until mid-afternoon Wednesday for northern locations.

Apart from heavy snowfall, northern Sweden faces extreme cold, with temperatures potentially dropping to an unprecedented minus 40 degrees Celsius. This cold snap is driven by a persistent high-pressure system over middle and northern Norrland. These frigid conditions add to the risks causing traffic accidents and train service delays, notably on routes between Stockholm and Uppsala. Recent snow chaos has already caused lengthy queueing on major European highways, such as the E22 and E18.

The new warnings, effective from 4 PM on Tuesday for up to 24 hours, urge travelers to remain vigilant and prepared for swiftly changing winter conditions, as the hazardous weather continues to challenge transportation and safety across affected regions.