It was raining in Oslo on Monday, finally providing some welcome precipitation at a time of looming water shortages. Never before has the Norwegian capital had so much sunshine as in March, breaking a record set in 1969.
State meteorologists recorded 218.4 hours of sunshine last month, 24 minutes more than the last record 53 years ago. Lots of people have flocked outdoors to catch some rays, even though temperatures were low.
“We really should have some rain now, for nature’s sake,” Ruth Perez Øien told state broadaster NRK while enjoying the sun in Torshov Park on the last day of the month. It was an unusually dry March with only 3.5 millimeters of rain or snow, just 8 percent of normal levels, according to states meteorologist Bente Wahl.
City officials have already warned of low levels in the city’s main reservoir for drinking water, and are urging conservation in the event of another drought later this spring and summer. Brush and forest fire danger has also been posted for the past few weeks.
newsinenglisn.no staff
