Kevätningslit

Kevätningslit is a term used in some Nordic regions to describe a specific type of atmospheric phenomenon. It refers to the visual effect of sunlight filtering through a thin layer of high-altitude ice crystals, often occurring in late winter or early spring. This process can create a variety of optical illusions, most commonly a halo or a ring of light around the sun. The precise angle of the ice crystals and the observer's perspective influence the visibility and appearance of these halos.

The term itself is derived from a combination of words related to spring and a specific quality of light. While not a strictly scientific meteorological term, it is widely understood in local folklore and everyday language to signify a particular kind of beautiful, yet transient, weather event associated with the changing seasons. These displays are often observed on clear, cold days when atmospheric conditions are just right for ice crystal formation in the upper troposphere.

Kevätningslit is not associated with any particular weather system and does not typically predict precipitation or significant temperature changes. Its significance is primarily aesthetic and cultural, often marking the subtle shift towards longer daylight hours and the anticipation of warmer weather. The phenomenon is transient, disappearing as the atmospheric conditions change or as the sun's position in the sky shifts.