Severe weather has made its debut across southern Sweden as the country welcomed the New Year on January 1, 2025. The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) issued numerous weather warnings as heavy rainfall and significant snowfall began to impact various regions.
Areas such as Halland, Västergötland, Kronoberg County, and parts of Skåne are experiencing disruptive conditions, leading to flooding hazards. According to SMHI, "intensified rainfall is expected, with risks of flooding along streams and low-lying areas." The rainfall warnings stretch from Örkelljunga in northern Skåne to Ljungby, Borås, and Ulricehamn, signalling potential dangers as water levels rise.
With additional precipitation expected throughout the day, the wet conditions come alongside warnings of snow accumulations across northern Götaland. The SMHI noted, "travel may be difficult due to snow on the roads, accidents, or stalled vehicles," indicating the compound risks posed by mixed weather conditions.
Forecasts predict as much as 15 centimeters of snow could blanket northern Västergötland, as areas including Bohuslän, Dalsland, and parts of Värmland brace for challenging travel conditions caused by excess snow. These snowfalls may lead to major traffic disruptions. The situation is deemed serious enough to prompt authorities to issue active warnings to the public.
Temperatures today are also expected to fluctuate broadly, with much of Götaland experiencing relatively mild conditions between 6°C and 7°C. Meanwhile, Svealand sees colder weather, with temperatures ranging between 0°C and -11°C. The coldest readings will emerge from the areas between Jämtland and Lappland, where temperatures could plummet to -22°C or colder.
Adding to the weather ordeal, powerful winds are forecasted to hit southern Skåne. Starting from the morning of New Year's Day, SMHI alerted residents with warnings of gusts potentially reaching storm-strength. Reports from SOS Alarm documented numerous downed trees across roadways, causing additional challenges for, locals and travelers alike.
Transport services are also experiencing disruptions due to the weather. Train operations between Ystad and Simrishamn have been suspended as of noon on the first day of the year for safety reasons. Passengers have been informed of bus replacements until train services can resume, anticipated for the early hours of January 2.
The SMHI has remained vigilant, emphasizing the need for the public to stay informed and adjust their travel plans accordingly. Weather alerts are expected to evolve as conditions change, and citizens are urged to prepare for potential emergencies arising from the unpredictable and severe weather.
Authorities recommend staying indoors where possible during the height of the storm, and community members are reminded to heed official advisories to mitigate risks of accidents or unforeseen incidents as southern Sweden navigates through its New Year’s Day storm.