UPDATE: 14:35
Reader tips:
Sameea Khan - Skellefteå
Something that is working for my apartment is that I close the curtains in the morning: with no sunlight it keeps the temperature of my apartment bearable. Also like today when the wind is also warm, my windows are also closed.
I make sure to cook at night because turning on stove makes my whole apartment warm: so no major cooking throughout the day.
Also prolonged cool bath for kids (don't let the water keep running).
Ahmad Priabudiman - Skellefteå
Keep aloe lotion in handy: it'll help mitigate the heat on your skin! And keep a damp towel by your side at all times!
Weynand Deysel - Västanträsk
Put a wet/damp towel over yourself and sleep in front of a fan.
UPDATE: 12:05
Skellefteå municipality also offers advice on how to cope with the high temperatures:
- Risk groups such as people with underlying health conditions, the elderly, and small children face increased health risks from heat exposure.
- Keep an eye on those around you to check if they're being affected by the heat.
- Drink more water – don't wait until you feel thirsty.
- Create a cool environment and take a cold shower or bath if possible.
- Avoid physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day.
UPDATE: 11:45
Skebo warns of high temperatures inside apartments, and recommends a number of tips for those who stay indoors in the heat.
- Draw curtains or lower blinds to keep the sun's rays out.
- Breathe in cooler air during the evening and night.
- Get a fan to circulate the air and cool the room down. A bowl of ice in front of the fan will add extra coolness.
- Turn off computers and other electronics, and avoid using ovens or other heat-generating devices during the day.
- Hanging a wet sheet in front of the window cools the air that comes in.
UPDATE: 09:10
Overnight, temperatures stayed above 20 degrees all night in two places – both in Norrbotten. In the Kalix and Luleå archipelagos, the following temperatures were recorded:
Storön (Kalix): 20.4 degrees
Rödkallen (Luleå): 20.3 degrees
The forecast has previously indicated that similar temperatures could be expected in Skellefteå later this week.
On the night leading into Wednesday, temperatures in Skellefteå are expected to stay close to 20 degrees almost around the clock. However, by 03:00 the temperature is forecast to dip to 19 degrees, meaning a tropical night will not occur in Skellefteå.
UPDATE: 09:05
The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, MSB, has sent two helicopters to Västerbotten to fight forest fires.
The risk of forest fires in Västerbotten is high right now, according to SMHI, and is expected to become even greater at the end of the week when it becomes drier.
– With the weather, we see that it is getting drier in the forest and soil. Going forward, we see an increased risk of fire in Västerbotten, says Stefan Andersson, officer in natural disasters and forest fires at MSB.
The helicopters are being sent from southern Sweden, where they are not currently needed due to heavy rain.
– Sweden is divided in two right now. In southern Sweden there’s low pressure and very humid conditions, while in northern Sweden it’s high pressure and dry. We prioritise where the helicopters are needed based on that.
Helicopters are used in firefighting to carry and drop water over the flames.
– They are usually a good support for the rescue services on the ground. It’s important to be able to start the operation quickly, and flying resources are a valuable help in that, says Andersson.
UPDATE: 12:20
Feeling overheated, or perhaps in the mood for a refreshing swim?
Norran has compiled a list of water temperatures at the municipality’s popular bathing spots. Unless noted otherwise, these temperatures were recorded in the morning.
All information is sourced directly from the municipality’s website.
UPDATE: 12:10
High temperatures: SMHI warns about the heat until Wednesday 16 July at 18.00. There is an increased risk of health problems, especially for vulnerable groups such as elderly people, small children and those with underlying conditions.
Forest fires: SMHI warns of a high or very high risk of fires in forests and fields until Monday evening at 23.00. Residents are urged to be extremely careful when lighting fires or working with heavy machinery.
UPDATE: 11:35
Skellefteå is bracing for a sweltering week. A meteorological heatwave is forecast, with daily temperatures rivalling – or even surpassing – those in popular southern European tourist destinations.
SMHI has issued warnings for high temperatures and a significant risk of forest fires, with the possibility of tropical nights adding to the discomfort. Norran is providing live coverage of the intense summer heat.