Sweden Snow Warning: Heavy Snowfall & Hazardous Conditions Forecasted

Snowfall and Hazardous Conditions Grip Southern Sweden

Parts of southern Sweden are bracing for continued snowfall and potentially hazardous conditions, with warnings in effect across several regions. The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) issued an orange warning for the Österlen area in southeastern Skåne on Thursday afternoon, remaining in effect until 2:00 PM on Friday. A yellow warning for snow is also active in western Sweden, as the snowfall expands northward.

“There will be more or less intense snowfall throughout the day and it is expected to accumulate to 5–10 centimeters, but locally exceeding 15,” said Therese Fogman, a meteorologist at SMHI.

Skåne has already seen significant snowfall, with over 20 centimeters reported in some areas, and even higher accumulations locally. The combination of snowfall and strong winds is creating particularly challenging conditions.

“The wind is causing significant drifting,” Fogman explained. “This could create problems.”

Temperatures hovering around the freezing point, combined with the wind, are increasing the risk of icy roads. Drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution.

Traffic Disrupted, But No Serious Injuries Reported

While concerns about widespread disruption were high overnight, the snowfall did not result in the severe chaos initially feared. According to Swedish Radio P4, approximately 50 traffic incidents were reported in Skåne. Several accidents occurred on the Öresund Bridge, where icy conditions and strong winds caused vehicles to spin or collide with the barriers. Reportedly, no one was seriously injured in these incidents.

Emergency services described the night as relatively calm, despite the increased number of callouts. “We had some more incidents than usual for a night, but not significantly more,” said Torbjörn Boklund, duty officer at the rescue services in southern Sweden.

Boklund noted that the areas under the orange warning in Österlen did not experience a disproportionate number of incidents. “It was about the same everywhere,” he said.

Cold Weather Not Typically Warned For

SMHI’s decision to issue warnings for snowfall, but not for low temperatures, stems from historical practices. According to the agency, cold weather has not traditionally been considered a severe enough phenomenon to warrant a warning, given Sweden’s latitude and the infrastructure built to withstand low temperatures. However, SMHI acknowledges that extreme cold can have consequences and is re-evaluating its warning criteria.

The current focus remains on the immediate dangers posed by the snowfall and icy conditions. Motorists are advised to check road conditions before traveling and to adjust their driving accordingly. Residents are also encouraged to stay informed about the latest weather updates from SMHI.

As of Friday, February 6, 2026, the snow is expected to continue in western Sweden, with the possibility of a dusting of snow in other regions in the coming days. Temperatures will remain well below freezing, with highs of -8°C expected on Sunday morning and lows of -20°C on Thursday night. Winds will be generally light.