Percentage change in maximum snowfall from 1961-1990 to 2071-2100

 Source: Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate, 2008

Less snow in the lowlands

In lower-lying areas across the country, precipitation in the form of snow will diminish. The next fifty years will see a decrease of almost forty per cent in the south west while a decline of ten per cent is expected for the Oslo Fjord area. Changes will be more significant along the coast than inland. Higher-lying areas may experience more snow due to increased precipitation in winter, resulting in potentially increased wear on buildings and infrastructure and greater risk of landslides and flooding.

Shorter winters with less snow cover

Cross-country skiing is a long tradition in the densely populated areas in Eastern Norway. At Bjørnholt in Nordmarka (Oslo) the number of days with good skiing conditions has already decreased from 150 days around the year 1900, to a little over 100 days in 2000. Only 60 days of good skiing conditions per annum will remain in 2050 according to model projections.

Uncertain modelling factors

There is still considerable uncertainty regarding the regional impacts of climate change. Both nationally and internationally there is much focus on the issue, and researchers are working to gradually develop more reliable scenarios.