A dog shakes itself dry after a swim at the dog beach in the Rajasaari dog park in Helsinki. Photo: Elsa Paakkinen / Lehtikuva
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Finland recorded a 30-degree Celsius temperature for the 17th consecutive day on Monday, setting another national heat record. The milestone was reached in the eastern municipality of Lieksa, where temperatures hit 30.1°C shortly after 17:00.
The Finnish Meteorological Institute confirmed the latest measurement as part of an ongoing pattern of unusually high temperatures across the country.
Elias Paakkanen, meteorologist at Yle, said the extreme heat shows no signs of easing. Forecasts indicate that more records could fall as the current weather system continues to hold across much of Finland.
“Conditions remain favourable for additional 30-degree days,” Paakkanen said.
The 17-day stretch is the longest period of daily highs reaching or exceeding 30°C since temperature data collection began in Finland. The previous record, set in 1972, lasted 13 days and was surpassed earlier this month.
The persistent heat has affected both rural and urban regions, with the highest temperatures typically observed in eastern and central parts of the country. Residents in Lieksa, Joensuu, and Jyväskylä have reported daily highs near or above 30°C throughout the past two weeks.
Authorities continue to monitor the impact on health services, agriculture, and infrastructure. Public health officials have issued advisories urging people to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day.
Hospitals have reported a rise in heat-related medical visits, particularly among older people and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Energy providers have noted a rise in electricity demand due to increased use of fans and air conditioning systems. Water companies in urban centres said consumption is running above seasonal averages.
Emergency services have responded to an increase in vegetation fires, with several regions still under forest fire warnings. Conditions remain dry in many parts of eastern Finland, where rainfall has been limited for most of July.
The prolonged heat has also affected crop development. Farmers have reported early signs of drought stress in grain and vegetable fields, particularly in southern regions. Some municipalities have begun rationing irrigation water.
Weather forecasts for the coming days suggest continued heat, with temperatures again expected to approach 30°C in many areas. Brief thunderstorms may offer temporary relief but are unlikely to change the overall weather pattern.
The meteorological institute continues to issue daily updates and has not set a formal end date for the heat warning.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
