While parts of the US and Europe are sizzling under a heatwave, the city of Bergen in Norway is having one of the wettest months it's ever had. So much so, it is posing a serious challenge to its own 65-year-old record for consecutive drizzly summer days.
Bergen is famous for its high levels of rainfall because it is located between seven mountains, which makes it particularly vulnerable to showers. The wind that comes from the Atlantic moves the clouds, which strike the mountains surrounding the city. The high precipitation is often used in the marketing of the city, and it even features on postcards sold in the city. Bergen is much wetter and has a narrower temperature range than other Scandinavian cities, with its cool summers and mild winters.
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At one point, it rained in Bergen for 85 consecutive days from 29 October 2006 to 21 January 2007. That was during winter though so probably not as startling as at other times of the year. The record for consecutive wet days during the summer months occurred in 1952, when it rained every single day from 1 to 24 June. The year of 1994 wasn't a great one either, as the city had 29 rainy June days.
These records could be challenged, because rain has fallen on Bergen every single day so far this month, and meteorologists believe that the precipitation is likely to continue. Bergen is still a great place to visit though as the climate has created many lush green parks to enjoy. There are also plenty of indoor activities to enjoy, like Bryggens Museum, KODE Art Museums of Bergen and Bergen Science Centre VilVite.
Just don't forget to bring your umbrella and wellies!
