SMHI Issues Orange Heat Warnings for Southern and Götaland Regions in Sweden

The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has issued an orange heat warning for southern Sweden, notably affecting parts of Götaland including Blekinge, Kalmar, Kronoberg, and parts of Skåne. The warning is in force from Thursday afternoon, June 25, until Monday evening, June 29, 2026. Temperatures are expected to rise progressively, reaching peaks of up to 35 degrees Celsius in southeastern Götaland during the weekend, with sustained high temperatures above 33 degrees Celsius for multiple days in several areas.

Meteorologist Johan Lundberg highlights the gradual warming, with regions like Kalmar and Blekinge seeing around 30 degrees Celsius today and increasing thereafter. Lasse Rydqvist notes the likelihood of "tropical nights," with nighttime temperatures not dropping below 20 degrees, and warns that the weekend's highs could approach national heat records from 1947 and 1933. Viktor Bergman underscores the challenge posed by warm nights making indoor cooling difficult and advises the public to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during midday and early afternoon, and seek shade.

In addition to the orange warning, large parts of Götaland are under yellow warnings, signaling high temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius until Sunday evening. Southern Sweden is also facing increased fire risks due to the dry conditions. While southern regions cope with the heatwave, northern parts of Sweden are expected to experience milder weather accompanied by showers.

Authorities advise residents to monitor their health, stay indoors during the hottest hours, and use cooling strategies like swimming carefully, as sea temperatures in the Baltic and Gulf of Bothnia are unusually warm, exceeding 20 degrees Celsius. The heatwave mirrors intense conditions seen across southern Europe, with countries like France and Germany also experiencing soaring temperatures.