According to the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, the month of April is classified as very dry, while in parts of Rogaland, Agder and Telemark it was even exceptionally dry. In eastern and southern Norway, there was 50 to 95 percent less rainfall than normal.
Measurements date back to 1900, so this year's April will be the ninth driest April we have recorded in eastern Norway.
Agder had its third driest April since 1900
Only April 1978 and 1981 were drier than 1900 in Agder. There, only 20 percent of the rainfall that is normal in April has fallen there, says climate researcher Jostein Mamen of the Meteorological Institute.
In Viken, Vestland, Agder, Rogaland and Vestfold and Telemark, 13 stations had the driest April since the start of the measurements.
– In Sørlandet, Østlandet and Vestlandet it is still dry with plenty of sun, but in the western Norway will gradually appear long rain expected, says state meteorologist Kristian Gislefoss from the Meteorological Institute.
Drought has consequences
The Norwegian Directorate of Water Resources and Energy (NVE) warns of the effects of drought in southern Norway. Lakes and rivers have very low water levels, affecting energy production, agriculture and water supplies. The Municipality of Oslo encourages residents to save water, and the city of Oslo is currently closing several fountains due to the drought.
There is a high risk of forest fires in eastern and southern Norway, as well as in Rogaland and western Norway. Check Yr for updated threat alerts.
Both March and April were dry in eastern and southern Norway. Several stations in operation for more than 100 years, including Ås, Halden and Maridalsoset, never recorded less rainfall in the two months combined than this year.
More rainfall in the north
Nationwide, 70 percent of normal rainfall has dropped.
In some parts of West Finnmark, the month was very wet. Some stations in Møre og Romsdal, Trøndelag and in Troms and Finnmark experienced 50 to 100 percent more rainfall than usual.
Three stations in Trøndelag set the record for highest rainfall in 24 hours. Also at Alta Airport in Troms and Finnmark in April, more rainfall was recorded in 24 hours than ever before, with measurements dating back to 1964.
We would like to remind you that in the period from April 15 to 15 September in Norway It is strictly forbidden to light bonfires. This means that the use of open flames is prohibited. Includes disposable barbecues, fires, fire pans, etc. in or near forests and fields.
Source: Norwegian Meteorological Institute
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