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WEATHER

What do Denmark’s weather warnings actually mean?

Denmark's weather agency issues warnings for potentially dangerous weather, on a three-point scale. What does the weather alert system mean, and what should you do if there's a warning?

Published: 17 January 2024 15:17 CET
What do Denmark's weather warnings actually mean?
Heavy snow (kraftigt snevejr) hits the Randers area in Jutland, 17 January 2024. Photo: Bo Amstrup/Ritzau Scanpix

The Danish Meteorological Institute, DMI, uses three different warning categories for dangerous weather, with category 3 being the most dangerous.

The warnings could relate to severe rain or snow, icy conditions or conditions caused by a combination of things like snow drifts, which occur when strong winds move loose snow. High winds and storms can also give weather alerts, as can very hot weather.

DMI also sometimes issues alerts ahead of other, more unusual weather events like storm surges, which cause flooding.

Category 1: Severe weather (Voldsomt vejr)

Be aware that weather conditions can affect your surroundings and outdoor activities.

Category 2: Hazardous weather (Farligt vejr)

Be prepared for weather conditions to affect your surroundings and disrupt traffic. Follow the authorities’ advice and be extra careful when you’re out and about.

Category 3: Very hazardous weather (Meget farligt vejr)

Follow the advice of the authorities. Be prepared that there is a high risk that weather conditions may affect you and your surroundings and disrupt day-to-day activities.

This category often comes with a warning to stay at home if possible.

Key weather vocabulary to be aware of

Snow (Sne) 

Kraftigt snefald, snestorm, snefygning

Heavy snowfall, blizzard, snow drift

When DMI warns of a snowstorm (blizzard), you should not go outside unnecessarily. Heavy snowfall (kraftigt snefald) reduces visibility and disrupts traffic, with smaller roads at risk of being closed. There is also a risk that public transport is delayed or stops running. 

A snow drift (snefygning) can lead to the rapid closure of exposed roads, reduced visibility and public transport cancellations.

Ice (Is):
 
Glatføre, isslag, isdøgn
 
Slippery, widespread ice, ice day (a 24-hour period under freezing temperatures)
 
If ground ice or black ice has become widespread within a certain location or region, DMI may advise staying inside if possible.

Wind (Vind)

Orkan, storm, stormende kuling, vindstød

Hurricane, storm, gale-force winds, gust of wind

Rain (Regn):

Nedbør, kraftig regn, langvarig regn, oversvømmelser, vandstand, bølger

Precipitation, heavy rain, prolonged rain, flooding, water level, waves

Storm (Torden)

Torden og skybrud, stormstyrker, strøm, lufttryk

Thunderstorm, storm strength, power, air pressure

Fog (Tåge)

Tæt tåge

Dense fog

Temperature (Temperatur)

Havtemperatur, hedebølge, kuldebølge, tropenat

Sea temperature, heatwave, cold wave, tropical night

Where can I find out more?

You can keep up to date with DMI’s current weather alerts via this link.

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WEATHER

Heatwave alert issued for Copenhagen area in hot start to September

Soaring temperatures in the Copenhagen area in the coming days have prompted Danish meteorological agency DMI to issue a heatwave alert.

Published: 5 September 2024 11:12 CEST
Heatwave alert issued for Copenhagen area in hot start to September

Denmark’s met office DMI has issued a heatwave alert to parts of the capital region including the municipalities of Copenhagen, Lyngby-Taarbæk, Furesø, Høje Taastrup, and Ishøj.

A heatwave is defined as  three consecutive days on which the average of the highest temperatures each day exceeds 28 degrees Celsius.

Temperatures of just over 29 degrees Celsius were recorded in Frederiksberg on Wednesday DMI meteorologist Jesper Eriksen said to newswire Ritzau.

“We expect temperatures in the capital region over the next few days to reach similar levels – plus or minus one to two degrees,” he said.

“That means the heatwave we’re alerting is a very marginal one, but it is unusual for it to be this warm in early September. So I advise people to drink extra water and stay in the shade,” he said.

Heatwaves can cause discomfort and a risk of heatstroke.

Elderly people and small children are most at risk, as are people exposed to dehydration, intense exercise or physical labour.

DMI uses three categories of weather alert, with category 3 the most dangerous.

READ ALSO: What do Denmark’s weather warnings actually mean?

The current heatwave alert is category 2 or “hazardous” weather (farligt vejr in Danish), meaning the weather can affect your surroundings and outdoor activities.

Copenhagen will not be the only part of Denmark to feel the early September heat, with temperatures elsewhere in the country ranging between 22 and 27 degrees Celsius.

“This is heat that has locked itself over a large part of Europe, with Denmark situated in a warm air pocket,” Eriksen explained.

“Our best guess is that the hot weather will continue until Sunday, so we might extend the alert. But next week will bring a shift to more classic autumn weather with rain, showers, and falling temperatures,” he said.

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