Meteorologists warn that late December and January could bring biting cold temperatures to Norway. The forecast covers November through January and points to a weather phenomenon called sudden stratospheric warming as the cause.
This atmospheric event might sound counterintuitive, but it often leads to colder conditions than normal. The phenomenon occurs when winds in the stratosphere weaken or reverse direction temporarily.
Camilla Albertsen, a meteorologist, said in a statement that the three-month period might actually average milder than normal overall. She noted there's greater probability of a relatively mild season with above-average precipitation for the period.
But the end of the period will likely turn cold, possibly very cold. Both Southern Norway and Northern Norway could experience unusually cold conditions.
Long-range weather forecasting remains challenging and uncertain. Meteorologists rely on climate indicators like ocean temperatures, sea ice extent, and stratospheric wind patterns to make predictions.
When asked about the possibility of a white Christmas, Albertsen said it's still too early to tell. The outcome depends on how conditions develop throughout the winter.
The cold period could last anywhere from one week to several weeks. Officials suggest monitoring weekly forecasts for updates on the situation.
This pattern demonstrates how complex atmospheric interactions can produce unexpected weather outcomes, even as global temperatures generally trend warmer.