Warning level (in swedish) 3, Sweden
The most common type of precipitation gauge consists of a can which is protected from the wind. The gauge is normally placed 1.5 m above the ground and protected from the wind. Precipitation is measured with the help of a measuring glass. Precipitation in the form of ice and snow is melted before it is measured.
The amount of precipitation is measured daily at 07.00 Swedish normal time, and at larger stations it is also measured at 19.00. Daily precipitation relates to the amount that has fallen from 07.00 on the day in question to the same time the following day. Precipitation is reported in millimetres (litre/m²) while snow depth is reported in centimetres.
SMHI stores the measured precipitation, which is lower than the actual precipitation. The undervalue is greatest in the event of snowfall and when there is a strong wind.
Measured and actual precipitation is almost the same when there are heavy rain falls and a light wind. The measured annual precipitation needs to be corrected by 5%-30% in order to equate to the actual precipitation.
Where are these measurements taken?
In the column on the right there are maps you can zoom in and out of which show the temperature stations in operation as of January 2008.
The station network has changed over the years, so if there is no station marked in the area/place you are interested in, it is possible that we still have data for this particular place. The station selection takes place in consultation with our meteorologists.
How is the data compiled?
The results are presented in the form of tables, maps or diagrams, according to your requirements. Observed values, extreme values, normal precipitation or accumulated daily/monthly and annual precipitation is presented in time series and monthly tables. Daily, seasonal and annual variations can also be presented.
The number of observations of different amounts of precipitation, in absolute figures or as a percentage, divided by the amount of months, can be ordered in a frequency table. In a similar fashion, the duration, i.e. the number of hours of rainfall, is shown.
SMHI also analyses extreme weather conditions, such as torrential rain and heavy snowfall. This can be presented as a report with precipitation maps and an explanatory text. Based on daily measurements over many years, precipitation return times can be calculated with the help of extreme value analysis. Read more about return times, probability and risk here.
For information regarding rain intensity in Sweden, we refer to a report written by Bengt Dahlström. "Regnintensiteten i Sverige - en klimatologisk analys" [Rain Intensity in Sweden - a climatological analysis]