Finland’s northern waters receding
The water level along the northern Finnish coastline of the Gulf of Bothnia is expected to be exceptional low this weekend. High winds and unusually shallow waters mean that boaters should keep to familiar routes.
Water levels in the northern end of the Gulf of Bothnia have been slightly below the long-term average for several weeks and high winds are now pushing the mass of sea water farther from shore.
According to the Finnish Metrological Institute, on Friday night sea levels off the cities of Vaasa, Kemi and Oulo are likely to drop as low as 80cm below normal and not rise back until on Sunday.
In addition to warnings to boaters, the relatively rare phenomenon is not good news for holidaymakers planning a weekend at the beach. The water temperature along the north-west coast on Friday was nine degrees Celsius and the reverse flow will bring even colder waters.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Wildlife endangered by Yukon warm weather, CBC News
Finland: Cold weather causes dazzling light displays in Finland, Yle News
Sweden: Weather deals double blow to Sweden’s timber industry, Radio Sweden
United States: Weather takes a toll on wildlife, environment in Alaska, Alaska Dispatch
