The heatwave in northern Norrland is the longest in a century. It’s been hard to miss the record-breaking temperatures that have swept across Norrland for much of July. Typically, the average high temperature in Skellefteå in July is around 20 degrees. This year, it has been significantly higher.
– Throughout the month, we’ve had temperatures that are 2–3 degrees above normal. That might not sound like much, but it’s a big difference, says meteorologist Linnea Rehn Wittskog.
In recent weeks, the difference has been even greater. The highest temperature in northern Norrland was recorded at Skellefteå Airport: 33.6 degrees on July 24.
– On some days, it’s been a full 10 degrees above the usual, says Rehn Wittskog.
The heat has been caused by a high-pressure system sitting over all of Sweden - particularly over the north. But that now seems to be shifting.
– Cooler air has already started moving into Norrland. The weather will become more unstable over the coming weeks, and it won’t be as warm, says Rehn Wittskog.
However, she notes that warm air still covers most of Sweden, so even if maximum temperatures drop slightly, the average will likely remain above normal.
SMHI warns of continued high temperatures, especially in northeastern Västerbotten and eastern Norrbotten. In the Skellefteå area, highs of up to 30 degrees are expected on Saturday. But by Sunday and into next week, cooler air is forecast to arrive.
The heatwave in northern Norrland began on July 10. According to SMHI, you have to go back more than 100 years to find a longer heatwave in the region. A heatwave is defined as five or more consecutive days with daytime highs of at least 25 degrees.
July has been warmer than normal across all of Sweden. But the national average temperature for the month still doesn’t compare to July 2018 or July 2014, according to SMHI, largely because this year’s July began with chilly nights.