Increased Forest Fire Risk in Norrbotten Amid Warm, Dry Weather

SMHI warns of heightened forest fire risk in Norrbotten due to warm and dry weather.

Key Points

  • • SMHI warns of increased forest fire risk in Norrbotten due to warm and dry weather.
  • • No fire ban is currently in effect, but caution is advised.
  • • The heightened risk arises from a stable high-pressure system, leading to high temperatures and dry vegetation.
  • • Meteorologist Linus Karlsson anticipates the fire risk will continue due to ongoing favorable weather conditions.

The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has issued a warning regarding an elevated risk of forest fires in the Norrbotten region, triggered by several consecutive days of warm and dry weather. As of July 13, 2025, while no official fire ban is currently in place, authorities are strongly advising residents to exercise caution due to the threatening conditions.

The risk has been attributed to a stable high-pressure system situated over the Norwegian Sea, resulting in increased temperatures and dry vegetation. Meteorologist Linus Karlsson highlighted the precarious situation, stating, "We update the warnings daily, and looking ahead, the risk for forest fires does not seem to diminish in the coming days due to the continued fine weather." As the warm, dry spell persists, residents are encouraged to stay vigilant as the combination of heat and dry ground may lead to potential fire hazards throughout the region.