Finnish Lapland records exceptionally warm temperatures on Friday
The Föhn wind effect pushed temperatures in parts of Lapland to over +6 degrees Celsius on Friday.
On Friday, central and northern Lapland saw exceptionally high temperatures for the season, with many readings of around five degrees Celsius or higher.
According to Yle meteorologist Aleksi Lohtander, the Kevojärvi observation station in Utsjoki-Kevo recorded +6.7 degrees Celsius at 9am, while the Kilpisjärvi station in Enontekiö measured +6.4 degrees at 3am.
“This is exceptional for this time of year. Even four degrees would be unusual, as the long-term median daytime temperature for the area is -7.2 degrees.”
However, temperatures are expected to drop by Friday evening and overnight. By Saturday, the exceptionally warm weather will give way to light frost.
Warming effect of Föhn wind
The warm front is due to the so-called Föhn (or Foehn) wind effect, which occurs when Atlantic air crosses the Scandinavian Mountains. Moisture condenses on the Atlantic side, forming clouds and precipitation, while drier air descending over Finland causes temperatures to rise.
The effect is most pronounced in Western Lapland and Ostrobothnia, regions where the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) says the phenomenon typically occurs around five times each winter.
The current Föhn wind started Thursday night, coinciding with unusually mild temperatures in northern Norway, where coastal areas along the Arctic Ocean reached nearly +12 degrees.
Chillier weekend
On Saturday, the weather will become cloudier, and temperatures across mainland Finland will drop to mild subzero levels, ranging from one to five degrees below freezing.
By Sunday, temperatures will drop further, with some areas experiencing colder conditions than minus five degrees. In northern Lapland, temperatures will be around -10 degrees.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Be wary of thin ice amid mild weather conditions, says hunter in Fort Smith, N.W.T., CBC News
Finland: Snowless Finns suffer ‘eco-grief’, Yle News
Norway: Polar heat record. July average above 10°C, The Independent Barents Observer
