A snowy blast is set to hit the Skellefteå region today, prompting the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) to issue a yellow warning for snowfall. The warning covers the area from central Skellefteå to south of Sundsvall and advises residents to prepare for potential travel disruptions and power outages.

– The snow will be heavy due to temperatures hovering around freezing, explains meteorologist Charlotta Eriksson.

– While Skellefteå city may see 10-15cm, with localized heavier snowfall, areas further south could receive up to 30cm.

The snow is expected to fall throughout the morning, intensifying in the afternoon. The yellow warning, effective from midnight Friday to 5pm, doesn't guarantee an end to the snowfall, with light accumulations also possible on Saturday and Sunday.

Strong winds, locally gusty, will accompany Friday's snowfall, increasing in intensity further south. 

Next week's weather forecast remains similar, with temperatures hovering near freezing and dropping colder at night. However, coastal areas can expect temperatures above freezing, which while higher than February's average, is not entirely uncommon.