Norway sets new heat record as weather shifts to rain

Two new heat records were set in Finnmark on Friday, with Alta reaching 27.6°C—the highest temperature measured in Norway so far this year—according to Dagbladet and the Norwegian Meteorological Institute.

The reading surpassed the previous 2026 high of 27.2°C, recorded earlier the same day in Nyrud, Finnmark. Meteorologist Hanne Beate Skattør explained that afternoon warming typically produces peak temperatures later in the day.

However, the heatwave is ending as a low-pressure system moves in from Sweden, bringing showers across much of the country. Rain is expected to spread across northern Norway and Trøndelag by Sunday, with the heaviest downpours possible in southern Finnmarksvidda.

Southern and eastern Norway will also see scattered showers and potential thunderstorms on Saturday, though Skattør noted that dry spells and sunshine will persist between rain. Central Norway is forecast to receive the least precipitation in the coming days.

Temperatures on Saturday will remain warm but slightly cooler than Friday, with highs near 25°C under partly cloudy skies.