Norway’s national day likely to see sunshine and mild temperatures

Norway’s 17 May celebrations could enjoy dry and warm weather this year, according to preliminary forecasts from the Norwegian Meteorological Institute.

Speaking to Dagbladet, duty meteorologist Unni Nilssen said current long-range predictions suggest no freezing conditions for the national holiday. “The likelihood of dry weather is highest in many areas,” Nilssen stated, though she emphasised that forecasts remain uncertain this far in advance.

Temperatures are expected to reach 18°C in Oslo, with a 40 percent chance of rain, while Kristiansand may see 16°C and Trondheim 15°C, both with similar precipitation probabilities. Northern regions like Bodø and Tromsø will be cooler, at 11°C and 10°C respectively, with slightly higher rain chances.

Nilssen noted that southern Norway appears set for the driest conditions, while northern areas—though cooler—could also see fair weather. “Sunshine is probable in many places,” she added.

The warm spell begins earlier, with temperatures potentially hitting 20°C in parts of the country from 30 April, meeting the Nordic definition of a summer day. The warmest days are forecast for Thursday and Friday, before possible weekend showers.

Sea temperatures, however, remain low. Oslofjord waters measured just under 7°C on Tuesday, and Nilssen cautioned that sustained warmth would be needed to raise sea temperatures significantly—a process likely taking weeks.