Flooding forces evacuation in Bø, Norway as severe weather intensifies

As global temperatures rise, extreme weather events, such as intense rainfall, are becoming more frequent. Last year, severe flooding caused significant disruptions in Bø, Norway. Recently, heavy rainfall prompted the local mayor to ask tourists to leave town as conditions worsened. Tor Henning Forberg experienced the impact firsthand when heavy downpours forced road closures, preventing him from returning to his partner and children. He described the situation as “extreme,” noting that rivers surged in places where small streams typically flow.

Climate researcher Reidun Gangstø warned of a rising trend in such weather events, particularly in Telemark, where rainfall has increased by nearly 60% in Oslo over the past 30 years, highlighting how southern Norway is most vulnerable. The Meteorological Institute predicts that these extreme weather patterns will also affect Northern Norway in the coming years.

Human-caused emissions of CO₂ and other greenhouse gases have already warmed the planet, allowing the atmosphere to hold more moisture. This leads to heavier rainfall, particularly in the summer. Recent data shows a marked rise in both overall rain and intense downpours across Europe and Norway.

Gangstø also anticipates an extended season for heavy rainfall in Eastern Norway, which was previously confined to the warmest months. Homeowners in flood-prone areas are advised to take precautions, such as moving valuables out of basements, as the risk of flooding and other related challenges increases.