Severe Weather Warnings and Flooding Across Southern Sweden
Severe weather warnings are in place as southern Sweden braces for heavy rainfall and flooding.
Key Points
- • Severe weather warnings issued for heavy rainfall in southern Sweden.
- • Rainfall predictions reach up to 50 mm in some areas, equal to half a month's worth of rain.
- • Flooding reported in Västra Götaland with disruptions in Gothenburg.
- • Northern Sweden faces high temperatures and a significant risk of forest fires.
Southern Sweden is currently facing severe weather conditions as the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has issued multiple warnings for heavy rainfall expected to lead to significant flooding. On July 16, 2025, heavy rains are forecasted, with predictions of up to 50 millimeters falling in a single day in some areas, enough to equal nearly half a month's typical precipitation.
Warnings are particularly in effect for regions including southern Svealand and Götaland, where intense rainfall could impact local infrastructure and residents. Initially, warnings were placed for parts of southwestern Svealand and northwestern Götaland, set to remain active until 12:00 PM, while southern Götaland is under a warning from 2:00 PM until 5:00 AM the following day (13772).
Reports indicate that flooding has already affected parts of Västra Götaland, resulting in inundated shops in Gothenburg and interruptions to local sporting events due to thunderstorms. Notably, there was a record downpour in Tännäs, Härjedalen, where 4.9 millimeters of rain fell in just one minute, further compounded by 21.6 millimeters in ten minutes, marking one of the most tumultuous weather days of the summer with a staggering total of 3,865 lightning strikes recorded across Sweden (13776).
While southern Sweden prepares for the deluge, northern regions are contrastingly experiencing a heatwave, with temperatures nearing 30 degrees Celsius. The situation has raised alarms regarding the high risk of forest fires due to dry conditions in those areas, leading meteorologist Christopher Greenland to stress the urgency: "The risk for fires in forest and land is very high, and in some areas, it is even extremely high" (13776).
As the weather system shifts southward under a high-pressure area forming over the north, local residents have been advised to remain cautious, monitor weather updates, and prepare for potential flooding issues. The ongoing situation highlights the need for vigilance as these extreme weather patterns develop, affecting various regions of Sweden.