Temperatures reach 30 degrees in southern Finland
Daytime highs will soar to 30 degrees Celsius in an area stretching from Lahti in the south to Ilomantsi in the east, according to Yle meteorologist Toni Hellinen.
“The last time the 30-degree threshold was surpassed on Midsummer’s Eve was in Lappeenranta [southeast Finland] in 1999 when meteorologists recorded 32.5 degrees Celsius,” Hellinen explained.
Eastern and northern Finland can expect the lowest temperatures in the country this evening, with the mercury just around 10C. On Saturday, the weather will cool nationwide from Friday’s highs by five to ten degrees.
This Midsummer the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) has put a damper on bonfires in southern and central parts of Finland due to a risk of forest and brush fires.
Thunderstorms brewing
On Friday, central areas and Kainuu will see thunderstorms which may produce hail as they proceed towards the northeast. Hellinen also said there’s a chance gusty winds could down power lines.
According to Hellinen, residents can also expect gusty summer winds on Saturday, particularly in Ostrobothnia.
“A rapidly moving thunderstorm is quicker than a car, which is why it’s best to not venture too far out on the water,” Hellinen explained.
Finland’s Midsummer Eve heat record dates back to 1935 when Ähtäri saw the mercury climb to 33.8 degrees.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Tornado hit Northwest Territories community last Sunday, CBC News
Norway: Temperatures on Svalbard have been above normal for 100 straight months, The Independent Barents Observer
Russia: June heat wave hits Northern Europe, The Independent Barents Observer
Sweden: Small fires break out due to dry conditions, Radio Sweden
