SMHI Expands New Year's Day Snow and Wind Warnings Across Svealand and Southern Norrland

The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has broadened its severe weather warnings for New Year's Day 2026, highlighting significant snowfall and strong winds particularly affecting northeastern Svealand, southern Jämtland, and the southern coast of Norrland. These conditions are expected to create hazardous travel situations and widespread disruptions.

SMHI has issued a yellow snow warning covering large parts of Svealand, predicting snowfall between 7 and 15 centimeters valid from 6 AM to 3 PM. Additionally, an orange warning affects the southern Norrland coastal area, from Söderhamn to just south of Umeå, effective from 11 AM on January 1 until 6 AM the next day. Here snowfall may reach up to three decimeters (30 centimeters), with strong winds particularly around Sundsvall, raising concerns about fallen trees, power outages, and disruptions to bus and train services.

Meteorologist Viktor Bergman has urged residents to avoid travel unless necessary, emphasizing the dangers posed by poor road conditions and severe weather. He stated, "If you don’t have to, I really don’t think you should go out." SMHI also cautions that forecasts may change, and residents should stay updated on weather developments.

New Year's Eve is forecasted to start clear and cold across Sweden but will turn increasingly cloudy, with snow beginning around midnight in southern Norrland and Dalarna. The low-pressure system generating this weather is expected to maintain cold, snowy conditions through the weekend.

Overall, these expanded warnings highlight serious winter weather risks requiring caution and preparedness from residents in affected regions.