Thunderstorms, heavy downpours and strong gusts of wind are expected across large parts of Sweden on Saturday.
"Right now the thunderstorm is over the west coast, moving from northern Halland up over Gothenburg and the Bohus coast," says Erik Höjgård-Olsen, meteorologist at SMHI.
In several places it will be up to 30 degrees on Saturday, and the warm, humid air makes it favorable for thunderclouds to form.
Moving northeast
The storm looks to be moving in a northeasterly direction and will reach various parts of the country during the day and evening. In Stockholm it looks set to break out at 3-4 p.m. this afternoon. Thunderstorms, heavy rain and lightning are expected during the evening.
"The thunderstorms will reach the Norrbotten coast, Luleå and Piteå at 8 p.m. this evening and leave the country in the early hours," says Erik Höjgård-Olsen.
“Tie down the trampoline”
SMHI warns that the heavy downpours increase the risk of flooding and urges people to clean gutters and stormwater drains.
"It is also a good idea to tie down trampolines and other loose objects, because there can be strong gusts of wind during thunderstorms," says Erik Höjgård-Olsen.
Anyone planning to travel by road or by train is advised to take precautions against possible accidents due to the thunderstorm. Lightning strikes can also affect electricity and telecommunications networks, and trees can fall in the gusts of wind.
Anyone who has planned to watch the match between Sweden and the Netherlands at 7 p.m. on an outdoor screen has the best chance of doing so in western Svealand and large parts of Götaland, where the storm has passed.
