After several weeks of unusually hot weather, a chilly rain was pouring down over most of central- and southern Norway this week and snow was expected in the mountains. Thermometers had fallen by as much as 15 degrees in Oslo and elsewhere by Wednesday.
The abrupt change was tied to a low-pressure system moving in from the south, accompanied by cold air from Greenland and Iceland moving in over the West Coast. State meteorologists noted that the “temperature interval” was “normal,” but that the weather would feel colder than usual after a record warm May, when thermometers hit nearly 30C (85F) on the 17th of May and mostly stayed there.
News bureau NTB also warned of snow in the mountains of Southern Norway, at least in the high elevations of Jotunheimen and Hardangervidda. State highway department Statens Vegvesen reported that it was snowing at Hemsedal just before noon. That could lead to difficult driving conditions, especially since most all motorists have already switched from winter- to summer tires.
At least it can be easier to sleep, one meteorologist noted, since few homes in Norway have air conditioning. Heavy rain also began falling during the night, not least in the Oslo area that was hit by warm flash-flooding last week. The weather in Northern Norway, meanwhile, will finally improve, with temperatures expected to hit 20C in Tromsø and some areas of Finnmark after an unusually cold May.
NewsinEnglish.no staff
