Snöfallet

Snöfallet, or the snowfall, is the amount of snow that falls during a defined period, or the event itself. In Swedish, snöfall is the general term, while snöfallet is the definite form used in sentences such as "Det senaste snöfallet var ovanligt kraftigt." The concept is central to weather reporting and climate records in Nordic countries.

In meteorology, snöfallet is quantified by snowfall depth, usually reported in centimeters, and by snow water equivalent (SWE), which measures the amount of water contained in the snow. Snowfall rate describes how quickly snow accumulates, commonly expressed in centimeters per hour. Accumulated snow depends on temperature, humidity, wind, and snow density; light snow often has low density, while wet snow increases the SWE per centimeter.

Snowfall affects transportation, infrastructure, and daily life. Heavy snöfallet can reduce road visibility, slow or halt trains and air travel, and increase the risk of avalanches in mountainous terrain. In Nordic regions, snow cover from repeated snöfallets shapes ecosystems, hydrology, and winter recreation.

National weather services monitor and report snowfall, including historical snöfallets and forecasts used for warnings and planning. In Sweden, organizations like the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) contribute to data collection, forecasting, and climate studies related to snowfall.