Finland’s July temperatures in Lapland one to three degrees above average

The month of July was exceptionally warm in Finland this year, according to the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI).

Temperature readings over 25 degrees Celsius were recorded on a total of 24 days during the month, which is eight days more than the average for July.

To meet the requirements of a ‘heatwave’ in Finland (locally known as helleraja), the temperature must reach 25 degrees or higher.

The highest reading during July, 34 degrees Celsius, was measured in the Heinola district of Asemantaus on 15 July while the south coast city of Porvoo recorded the largest number of ‘heatwave’ days, 23.

‘Exceptional’ is a technical term

A meteorological phenomenon is described as ‘exceptional’ when it has occurred up to two to three times (or less) in a hundred years, according to the institute.

July’s average temperatures varied from 21 degrees in the southern and southeastern parts of the country to about 14 degrees in northern Lapland, the FMI said.

The month’s temperatures across Finland were generally three to four degrees above long-term averages, and in Lapland temperatures were one to three degrees above average.

There was also lower than average amounts of rain across many parts of Finland, according to the FMI.

Related stories from around the North: 

Canada: Arctic climate change among priorities of Canada’s new Governor General, Eye on the Arctic

Greenland: Tipping points: can a leaked report tip the scales to climate action? Blog by Irene Quaile

Norway: Polar bears face extinction in Svalbard and Arctic Russia says scientist, The Independent Barents Observer

Russia: Record breaking temperatures recorded in Arctic Russia, Eye on the Arctic

Sweden: Heavier rainfall will increase risk of landslides and flooding in Sweden, Radio Sweden

United States: Alaska’s Northwest Arctic Borough gets $2 million tribal energy grant, Alaska Public Media