Swedish Winters Shrink as Climate Change Drives Record Low Snowfall

Recent data from the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) reveals a striking decline in the length and snow coverage of Swedish winters, particularly across southern and central regions. According to SMHI's long-term monitoring at 37 sites since 1950, the last five winters have been about half as long as the average winters between 1950 and 2000, confirming public perception that winters have grown milder and shorter.

Cities such as Stockholm, Västerås, Falun, Ulricehamn, Växjö, Örebro, and Malung have experienced some of the brownest winters on record during the 2020s. Falun stands out with a significant drop in snow days — from an average of 128 snow days in the 1990s to only 85 in recent years, a loss of 43 snow-covered days per season. The main driver is the rising temperatures that increase the likelihood of precipitation falling as rain rather than snow, especially in southern coastal areas where temperatures are often near freezing.

While southern Sweden endures dwindling snowy winters, colder northern regions have not seen a similar decline, as temperatures remain well below zero, sometimes even increasing snowfall there. Natural variations still allow for occasional heavy snow events, despite the overall trend. The reduction in snowy days also affects hydrology, with fewer spring floods but a greater risk of winter flooding.

Climate expert Sverker Hellström highlighted the critical need for society to adjust to these changes in winter patterns. The data illustrates the profound impact of climate change on Sweden's winter landscape, marking a shift towards shorter, less snowy, and increasingly brown winters.