Springlike weather coming to Finland

Many parts of Finland will see spring-like temperatures on Thursday and Friday, according to Yle meteorologist Elias Paakkanen.

Many southern and central areas will see daytime high temperatures between four and 10 degrees Celsius on Thursday, with the mildest conditions expected in southwestern city of Turku, and on the west coast.

However a band of precipitation is expected across central areas, bringing rain, sleet and snow (or a combination) on Thursday. Around five centimetres of new snowfall is expected in parts of Northern Ostrobothnia.

The forecast calls for strong winds from the west on Thursday. It will also be windy up in Finnish Lapland, with temperatures just below freezing.

Friday is also expected to be spring-like, with sunny conditions and above-freezing temperatures.

However, according to Paakkanen, winter isn’t over just yet. He said there are clear signs that next week will be significantly cooler.

“It would be worth preparing for winter weather in the south, too,” he said.

Floods likely in Lapland this spring

Looking forward, major springtime flooding is not expected in southern and central areas of Finland this year, due to the lack of snow on the ground.

However, that is not the case in Lapland, according to the Finnish Environment Institute (Syke).

It said that the large amount of snow in the region may prompt major flooding, particularly in areas around the Ounasjoki, Ivalojoki and Muonionjoki rivers. The region’s springtime floods usually occur in May, according to the institute.

Related stories from around the North: 

Canada: Unseasonably mild weather wreaking havoc on N.W.T. winter roads, CBC News

Finland: Finland’s roads remain hazardous following first winter storm, including Lapland, Yle News

Norway: Polar heat record. July average above 10°C, The Independent Barents Observer

Sweden: Snow, wind storms hammer Sweden, power cuts in North, Radio Sweden