Southern Sweden braces for record heat, potentially reaching 37 degrees Celsius

Southern Sweden is bracing for a significant heatwave this weekend, with forecasts predicting temperatures could soar to 37 degrees Celsius. The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has issued an orange warning, signaling the severity of the heat expected in Skåne, Blekinge, and parts of Småland.

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It was super nice. Refreshing, you need to cool down when it gets this warm and nice.

Beaches have been crowded throughout the week as people seek relief from the high temperatures. Alexandra Widestam, visiting Malmö from Norway, described the sea as "super nice. Refreshing, you need to cool down when it gets this warm and nice." However, she also voiced concerns about climate change, noting that while she enjoys the sun, the rapid progression of climate change is worrying. "We are perhaps not equipped to handle this, as it becomes too hot," she said.

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On one hand, we want sun and warmth. But it's a backdrop, as we say in Norwegian, and that is that these are major climate changes that are happening fast. We are perhaps not equipped to handle this, as it becomes too hot.

Forecasters anticipate Saturday and Sunday will see temperatures between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius, with a possibility of reaching up to 36 or 37 degrees, particularly in the inland areas of northeastern Skåne. Coastal regions will also experience intense heat, though they might be slightly cooler than inland spots. Some showers are expected north of the affected areas, potentially lowering temperatures in central Götaland and Svealand, but Skåne and Blekinge are likely to remain above 30 degrees.

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Then it's lucky we have water around us, not everyone has that.

Lifeguards at Scaniabadet in Malmö are preparing for a surge in visitors and the potential for incidents. "There will be a lot of people, and it's important to be vigilant, that something could happen today. It's a mental preparation," said lifeguard Per Jesäter. He advised beachgoers to stay hydrated, eat well, use sunscreen, and not overestimate their swimming abilities in the extreme heat.

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It will be very hot both Saturday and Sunday. We will be between 30 and 35 on Saturday, it is possible up to 36 and 37 even.