Severe Weather Warnings Issued as Storms Approach Sweden
Severe weather warnings issued in Sweden for storms and heavy rain.
Key Points
- • SMHI issues yellow warnings for thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.
- • Localized rain expected to reach 30mm, risking flooding.
- • Preparation measures heightened by E.ON ahead of strong winds.
- • Ongoing Culture Festival in Stockholm continues with low indoor lightning strike risk.
On August 15, 2025, the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has issued two yellow warnings for severe weather, forecasting thunderstorms, strong winds, and heavy rainfall across various regions in Sweden. Meteorologist Kjell Lund emphasized the potential for downed trees and flooding in urban areas due to anticipated rainfall, which could reach up to 30 millimeters in localized spots, risking overwhelmed drainage systems.
Thunderstorms have already made their way through parts of western and central Sweden, with the disturbances expected to reach Stockholm in the evening. A significant weather system is also set to impact areas from Östersund to Gävle later in the day, particularly affecting southern Norrland and northwestern Svealand in the afternoon and evening.
While the weather poses risks, attending the ongoing Culture Festival in Stockholm is still advised, with Lund noting the very low risk of lightning strikes indoors. The public is however urged to stay indoors and avoid open spaces during thunderstorms to ensure safety amidst the inclement weather conditions. E.ON has raised its preparedness ahead of the wind warnings, aiming to mitigate the impacts of potential outages caused by the storm.