People enjoy the warm weather at the Ounaskoski Beach at the Arctic CircLe in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland on 23rd July, 2025. Photo: Jouni Porsanger / Lehtikuva
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Finland has recorded 14 straight days of temperatures exceeding 30°C, setting a new national weather record and surpassing the previous mark from 1972, according to the Finnish Meteorological Institute.
The threshold was crossed again on Friday in Parikkala, where temperatures reached 30.3°C. The previous record for consecutive days above 30°C, set in 1972, stood at 13. The new milestone makes this the most intense and sustained heatwave in Finland’s recorded weather history, which dates back to 1961.
Meteorologist Jani Sorsa said the country now holds two distinct records: the nationwide 30°C streak and the local streak of daily highs above 25°C at Ylitornio’s Meltosjärvi station, where temperatures have remained above that mark for 15 days. The local record there also dated back to 1972.
Friday’s heat affected nearly the entire country, with the exception of parts of far northern Lapland. On the west coast, sea breezes brought some relief. Elsewhere, the hot and dry conditions continued uninterrupted.
Forecasters say the atmospheric conditions have been driven by a stable high-pressure system lingering over the region. Anniina Valtonen, a meteorologist at Yle, described the pattern as “slow-moving,” with little change over the past two weeks.
The long period without rain has left much of Finland’s surface soil extremely dry. The Meteorological Institute has issued heat and forest fire warnings across large parts of the country.
The heat is expected to persist into the weekend, but a shift may begin on Saturday. According to forecasts, thunder and rain showers are likely to develop in parts of Lapland and eastern Finland. By Sunday, unstable weather could reach broader areas, including the west coast and central Finland.
“Saturday will still be warm and dry across southern, eastern and western parts of the country, where temperatures could again exceed 30°C,” said Sorsa. “In Lapland, showers and thunderstorms are more probable.”
Sunday is forecast to be more variable. Rain and thunder are expected to become more widespread, especially from Satakunta to the coast of Ostrobothnia, and extending to the northeast.
“The approaching low-pressure system will begin to break the heat pattern,” said Valtonen. “Still, Saturday could extend the 30°C streak by one more day, but Sunday is less certain.”
Even if the heatwave ends, warm conditions are expected to persist into next week, though peak temperatures may fall below the 30-degree threshold.
As of Friday, Finnish officials had not announced any heat-related emergency measures, but local authorities across southern and central regions have urged caution, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.
Public swimming areas, such as Leppävaara outdoor pool in Espoo and beaches in Hamina, have seen high attendance. Demand for air conditioners and fans has surged.
Despite the discomfort, the high-pressure system has brought clear skies and prolonged sunshine. In coastal areas, mild sea breezes have kept temperatures slightly lower than inland, where cities like Parikkala, Joensuu and Seinäjoki have recorded the highest figures.
According to meteorologist Ville Siiskonen, temperatures peaked in the southeast and parts of Northern Ostrobothnia. “If the forecast holds, Saturday may add another day to the record, but Sunday could mark the end of the streak.”
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
