vårsnö

Vårsnö is the snow that occurs or remains during the spring season, commonly used in Swedish meteorology and everyday language to describe snow that persists into spring or falls in the early part of the season. It is often associated with Sweden and other Nordic regions, and can refer to snow that has lingered from winter as well as fresh spring snowfall.

Vårsnö tends to form under conditions where freezing temperatures meet rising daytime temperatures, producing wet, heavy snow with a high water content. As days warm, the snow often melts during the day and refreezes at night, creating freeze–thaw cycles and icy surfaces. The resulting snowpack is typically less stable than mid-winter snow, and its appearance and persistence depend on latitude, altitude, and yearly weather patterns.

Impacts of vårsnö include disruptions to transportation from slush and ice, especially on roads and railways. It can complicate agricultural activities and landscaping, and rapid melt can raise flood or localized drainage risks. Meltwater contributes to spring hydrology by recharging rivers, lakes, and groundwater, while reduced snow cover alters local albedo and energy balance, influencing soil warming and plant growth.

Climate variability affects the timing and duration of vårsnö. In some regions, warmer springs lead to earlier snowmelt and shorter snow seasons, though late-season snowfall can still occur during cool, wet springs. Overall, vårsnö reflects the transitional nature of spring weather in northern climates and its mixed implications for ecosystems and human activity.