Scandinavia is facing its first real onset of winter. From Thursday onwards, there will be heavy and persistent snowfall along the Scandinavian mountains.

There is particularly heavy snowfall in the mountains in the northern border region between Norway and Sweden. The snow line there drops to well below 500 metres, and in some regions snow could even fall down to sea level.

By Friday evening alone, 30 to 50 centimetres of snow will have accumulated across the mountain regions, with significantly more in some areas. With only brief interruptions, snowfall is expected to continue throughout the weekend.

A cold air influx from the north is responsible for the heavy snowfall. A low-pressure system over the Barents Sea is directing moist polar air towards Scandinavia.