Logo

Sweden Today

Swedish news in English

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Sweden Faces Increased Wildfire Risks

Published: 2024-07-29

Sweden is facing an increased risk of wildfires due to prolonged dry and sunny weather, particularly in southern and central regions.

The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has warned that areas such as southern and eastern Skåne, eastern Götaland, and parts of Svealand are at high risk.

Meteorologist Max Schildt emphasized that the combination of dry conditions and wind can cause fires to spread quickly.

Furthermore, a recent study indicates that the frequency and duration of high-risk periods for wildfires will increase in the coming decades, especially in southeastern Sweden.

This trend is linked to climate change, which is causing soil to dry out and making fire seasons more intense.

Peter Berg from SMHI noted that while reducing emissions could mitigate some risks, the threat of wildfires will persist as climate change continues to evolve.