Snow is melting faster than usual. An unusual March changes the situation before Easter
March 2026 has brought exceptionally mild weather to Norway. In many regions, temperatures are significantly above long-term averages. In Tromsø, the warmest start to March in recorded history has been observed. Meteorologists point out that this situation may threaten snow conditions ahead of the upcoming Easter.
The final character of the weather during the Easter period will depend on the coming weeks.
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After a cold start to the year, the weather in Norway changed dramatically. In January and February, cold air masses from the east prevailed. However, at the beginning of March, warm air from the southwest moved over the country. Temperatures rose across Norway, especially in the west and north.
Record warm start to March
The Norwegian Meteorological Institute is monitoring the month's progress at five measurement points: Bergen, Oslo, Værnes, Tromsø, and Svalbard. The data show clear positive deviations from temperature norms. In Bergen, the start of March is the fourth warmest since measurements began in 1957. The temperature there was on average 3.5 degrees above normal.
This is even more evident in the northern part of the country. In Tromsø, the period from March 1 to 9 is the warmest start to the month in the history of measurements conducted since 1920. The average temperature was 4.5 degrees above normal. On Svalbard, the deviation is as much as 8.9 degrees above normal. In Møre og Romsdal, in the town of Valldal, a temperature of 15.6 degrees was recorded.
This is even more evident in the northern part of the country. In Tromsø, the period from March 1 to 9 is the warmest start to the month in the history of measurements conducted since 1920. The average temperature was 4.5 degrees above normal. On Svalbard, the deviation is as much as 8.9 degrees above normal. In Møre og Romsdal, in the town of Valldal, a temperature of 15.6 degrees was recorded.
A warm March may lead to an earlier start of the tourist season.Photo: fotolia.com
Rain, wind, and less snow
Meteorologists forecast that mild weather will continue in the coming days. Heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected in the west of the country. In the Kvamskogen area, up to 150 mm of precipitation may fall by March 15. Strong southern winds will also appear in many regions. Stormy periods are possible along the coast.
Temperatures above zero will occur in many places in the north of the country. In Nordland, positive values are expected during the day. In Troms and Finnmark, subzero temperatures may occur mainly at night. Skiing conditions will be possible mainly in the mountains. According to meteorologists, snow will have to be sought above 600–800 meters above sea level.
Temperatures above zero will occur in many places in the north of the country. In Nordland, positive values are expected during the day. In Troms and Finnmark, subzero temperatures may occur mainly at night. Skiing conditions will be possible mainly in the mountains. According to meteorologists, snow will have to be sought above 600–800 meters above sea level.
There are three weeks left until Easter, and the snow cover in many regions is lower than usual. The combination of little snow and high temperatures increases the risk of further melting. This means that traditional skiing trips may only be possible in higher mountain areas. However, in many parts of the country, the first signs of spring are already clearly visible.
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