Several parts of northern Norway have sweltered for days in record temperatures, while Oslo was forecast to enjoy its hottest day so far this year on Wednesday. Meanwhile, parts of the south-east were inundated after the heaviest rainfalls since records began, but meteorologists said the clouds were finally due to clear.
In the north on Tuesday, weather stations at Sandnessjøen airport, Reipå/Meløy, Evenes and Stokmarknes recorded their highest ever temperatures of 29.2, 29.4, 29.5 and 28.7 degrees Celsius respectively, reported Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK). While heat records were broken in those locations, other parts of the north were hotter still. The mercury peaked at 30.3 degrees at Pasvik, and 30.2 degrees at Drag and Narvik airport.
Overnight on Monday, northern Norway’s first tropical night of the year was measured, where the air temperature remains above 20 degrees Celsius. An overnight temperature of 20.9 degrees was recorded at the Trolltinden weather station in Andøy. Forecasters said more tropical nights were on the way.
“A large high pressure system is located to the north of us right now, and it’s blowing hot easterly winds from inner parts of Russia over northern Norway,” said meteorologist Hanne Sigrun Byhring. “This often tends to give good weather in the north.”
Oslo recorded 28.6 degrees at Bygdøy on Tuesday, and it was still 22 degrees at midnight, reported newspaper Aftenposten. Wednesday was due to be hotter still, with temperatures expected to peak around 30 degrees at midday. The fine weather was forecast to remain until a cooler change came through on Sunday.
Meanwhile in Oppland, Tuesday brought record rainfalls which left parts of the county flooded. Lillehammer received 61 millimeters of rain during the day, its highest since measurements began in the 80s, while Venabu recorded 88 millimeters and Fåvang 74 millimeters. Highways were closed and a Lillehammer nursing home was evacuated.
Relief was on the way. “It looks like Oppland will get a fine day today,” said meteorologist Mariann Foss on Wednesday morning. “Some local showers may form in the afternoon, but not powerful enough that they should create new problems.”
newsinenglish.no staff
