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What to expect from Norway's wild Easter weather

Easter in Norway is often a mix of spring warmth and snowy mountain fun – many families plan out days filled with skiing, oranges, and Kvikk Lunsj snack breaks. This year, however, the weather is proving to be anything but predictable, with state meteorologists warning of rapidly shifting conditions from region to region. So, if you're planning a trip this Easter, it pays to know not just what kind of weather to expect but how to stay safe – especially if you're heading into the mountains. READ MORE: Easter in Norway: Everything you need to know Which region is getting the best Easter weather? The clear "weather winner" this year? Eastern Norway. With sunshine and temperatures expected to climb to a near-summer 18°C on Friday, cities like Oslo and regions like Østfold and Buskerud could enjoy one of the warmest Easter days in recent memory. "Friday could have almost a summery feel to it," Sigrid Auganæs of the Norwegian Meteorological Institute told the newspaper VG . Southern Norway is expected to follow a similar pattern, though with a higher chance of wind and precipitation. Still, Friday is shaping up to be the top day – whether you're hiking, cycling, or just sunbathing on a balcony. However, this sunny spell may be short-lived. The weekend forecast is less stable, with periods of rain likely in parts of eastern and southern Norway, especially around Oslo and Østfold. Buskerud may be luckier, with more stable weather into Saturday. Advertisement Eastern Norway: Less snow, more sun For snow lovers in the east, it's a bittersweet situation. The combination of a mild winter and a late Easter has left many lower-altitude ski trails slushy or bare. In popular resorts like Norefjell, the slopes are open thanks to artificial snow, but conditions off-piste or in the backcountry are limited. According to climate scientist Nora Mo-Bjørklund, "There is quite little snow in eastern Norway. You have to go north or high up in the mountains to find proper ski trails." Western Norway: Wet, with mild temperatures Western Norway is known for its rainy Easters, and this year is no exception – but it might not be as bad as expected. While some precipitation is forecast, there will also be dry spells, especially on Friday. Temperatures will be mild, hovering just above 10°C in many areas. Mountain regions on the west side of southern Norway still have more snow than their eastern counterparts, but wet weather means slushy, unstable conditions in many areas – making snow activities challenging unless you go to higher altitudes. Advertisement Northern Norway: Snow, rain, and a serious avalanche warning If you're heading north for your Easter holiday, pack for full winter – and stay alert for avalanche danger. Northern Norway is bearing the brunt of low-pressure systems moving across the region, bringing cold temperatures, snow, and rain later in the week. There may be a few dry windows on Wednesday, but rain and bad weather will dominate from Thursday onward. More concerning is the significant avalanche danger across much of Nordland, Troms, and Finnmark. Emma Barfod, avalanche forecaster at the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate ( NVE ), explained, "There are demanding conditions in northern Norway at the moment. There is a lot of snow and, in some places, we have weak layers in the snow cover that can lead to large avalanches. When the temperature rises and the winter snow cover becomes wet, there could be many wet avalanches. Nordland has already had mild weather and several large avalanches have been reported." The avalanche risk in these regions is currently at Level 3 (orange) – meaning significant danger. For avalanche and other severe weather alerts, visit to check up-to-date, region-specific warnings. READ ALSO: Norwegian word of the day: Påske Advertisement UV warning Don't be fooled by cool air or overcast skies. With the UV index now at Level 3 (considered a medium level ) south of Trøndelag, the sun can still cause burns – particularly if you're on reflective surfaces like snow or water. "If you are outside, applying sunscreen is a good idea. If you go out on a boat, the sea can reflect the sun's rays. The same applies when you are skiing," Auganæs told VG. Water temperatures, in case you were thinking of an icy Easter swim, remain chilly - around 10°C in the Oslofjord, 8–10°C on the west coast, and a frigid 3°C in Tromsø. READ MORE: What's open and what's closed in Norway over Easter