Winter weather

Normally, snowfall does not cause major problems for society. However, large amounts of snow in a short period of time can lead to problems, especially if it is windy.
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Foto: Anna Kern/Johnér

Snow bursts and snowdrifts


Snow bursts are a weather phenomenon that produce very large amounts of snow in a very short time. This can occur when cold air from the east comes in over the Baltic Sea when the sea is still relatively warm. The difference in temperatures causes large amounts of water to evaporate and form clouds, which almost immediately produce snowfall. When the snow fall hits the Swedish coast, it intensifies further.  

Snow bursts are most common along the Baltic coast of Svealand and can bring very large amounts of snow. In December 1998, for example, 1.5 metres of snow fell in and around Gävle.

When strong winds push snow out onto the road it can create snow drifts. Both snow bursts and snow drifts mean reduced visibility and can cause major traffic difficulties. The Swedish Transport Administration has up-to-date traffic information.

Ice storms


Ice storms are large amounts of freezing rain that form a thick layer of ice. Such rain can form when a layer of warm air lies over cold air close to the ground. Under these circumstances, raindrops will not have the time to freeze and will reach the ground as freezing rain. This forms a layer of ice on the road surfaces which quickly results in dangerously slippery roads. 

Ice storms can lead to transport disruptions, power cuts, telecom outages and a risk of roof collapse. Despite the name, it rarely blows during an ice storm.

This information comes from SMHI.