Winter storm warning issued for northern Norway

A powerful low-pressure system is moving toward northern Norway, with meteorologists warning of a potential winter storm bringing strong winds and snowfall to the region.

According to forecasts reported by Dagbladet, the storm will hit late Friday night, affecting large parts of northern Norway with heavy winds and wintry precipitation. The system is expected to first reach Lofoten early Saturday before tracking along the coasts of Troms and Finnmark.

“We can expect strong gales and near-storm conditions in some areas. This is quite strong wind for May,” said duty meteorologist Terje Alsvik Walløe.

A yellow weather alert for high winds has been issued for northern Nordland, Troms, and coastal and fjord areas of Finnmark. Local wind gusts could reach up to 35 meters per second, meteorologist Karolina Haraldsson told Dagbladet.

The storm will also bring rain, sleet at lower elevations, and snow in higher terrain. Drivers are advised to prepare for difficult conditions, including snowdrifts and reduced visibility.

Meanwhile, southern Norway experienced summer-like temperatures near 25°C on Thursday, with warm conditions persisting Friday. However, meteorologists warn of a cooldown over the weekend, with no immediate return of the recent heatwave.

“The weather is definitely best today. Over the weekend and into next week, it will get cooler, and we don’t see another warm spell coming right away,” said Walløe.