Six tell-tale signs of spring in Sweden
In honour of a spring equinox marked by snow and bone-chilling temperatures, The Local uncovers a few ways to help remind readers that, despite the snow and cold, spring in Sweden can't be too far away.
This year's spring equinox falls on March 20th, a day when the Earth is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun and which is hailed in many places in the northern hemisphere as the unofficial arrival of spring.
Not surprisingly, however, things are a little different here in Sweden.
For some, spring in Sweden starts on March 1st, weather be damned.
And while the equinox (vårdagjämning in Swedish) certainly gets a mention when it comes to marking the end of winter, this year's vernal equinox has been marked by temperatures five to ten degrees below normal, according to meteorologists at weather agency SMHI.
IN PICTURES: Six signs that spring is coming to Sweden
In fact, SMHI has staked out a claim as the agency that decides when winter is over and spring has finally sprung.
Being a Swedish agency, SMHI has very precise and elaborate rules for determining the arrival of spring.
According to the agency, Swedes can celebrate spring's arrival when the median daily temperature is on the rise and remains between 0C and 10C for at least seven days in a row.
SEE ALSO: Read the weather forecast for your corner of Sweden
With below-freezing temperatures expected across Sweden for at least another week, it's safe to say that no one is popping a springtime champagne at SMHI.
Despite the weather, there are other ways to prepare for spring fever. We've gathered a few together to make sure you don't miss out on any of the clues that winter's end is in sight.
Click here to see out our list year. But don't put away that winter coat quite yet.
David Landes
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This year's spring equinox falls on March 20th, a day when the Earth is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun and which is hailed in many places in the northern hemisphere as the unofficial arrival of spring.
Not surprisingly, however, things are a little different here in Sweden.
For some, spring in Sweden starts on March 1st, weather be damned.
And while the equinox (vårdagjämning in Swedish) certainly gets a mention when it comes to marking the end of winter, this year's vernal equinox has been marked by temperatures five to ten degrees below normal, according to meteorologists at weather agency SMHI.
IN PICTURES: Six signs that spring is coming to Sweden
In fact, SMHI has staked out a claim as the agency that decides when winter is over and spring has finally sprung.
Being a Swedish agency, SMHI has very precise and elaborate rules for determining the arrival of spring.
According to the agency, Swedes can celebrate spring's arrival when the median daily temperature is on the rise and remains between 0C and 10C for at least seven days in a row.
SEE ALSO: Read the weather forecast for your corner of Sweden
With below-freezing temperatures expected across Sweden for at least another week, it's safe to say that no one is popping a springtime champagne at SMHI.
Despite the weather, there are other ways to prepare for spring fever. We've gathered a few together to make sure you don't miss out on any of the clues that winter's end is in sight.
Click here to see out our list year. But don't put away that winter coat quite yet.
David Landes
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