A car drives on a snowy road in Kolari. Photo: Aku Häyrynen / Str / Lehtikuva
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Finland will see a full transition to winter weather conditions by the end of the week, according to a forecast by the Finnish Meteorological Institute on Monday. Northern areas will receive heavy snowfall, while central and southern regions will see falling temperatures and mixed precipitation including sleet and snow.
The shift begins on Tuesday with snow expected to spread from the Gulf of Bothnia inland to Northern Ostrobothnia, Kainuu, and Lapland. Most of the week’s precipitation in Central and Northern Lapland will fall as snow, while temporary warmer air may bring rain to lower parts of the north midweek.
Snowfall in Southern and Central Lapland could total 20 to 40 centimetres between Tuesday and Friday. More than 10 centimetres is forecast for Northern Lapland, Northern Ostrobothnia, and Kainuu. Milder temperatures on Wednesday and Thursday may temporarily compress snow depths due to rainfall.
Central and southern Finland will remain mild during the first half of the week due to southwesterly airflows. Daytime highs may reach close to 10 degrees Celsius on Wednesday and Thursday. From Wednesday evening, rain will move in, especially near coastal areas.
On Thursday, a low-pressure system from northern Scandinavia is expected to bring colder air southward. Rain could shift to sleet or snow in central regions as temperatures drop.
Meteorologist Heikki Sinisalo from the Finnish Meteorological Institute said the change in conditions will be noticeable.
“Significant snow accumulation is not expected widely, but by Friday morning, many places at the latitude of Central Finland and northward may see a first layer of snow,” Sinisalo said.
The forecasted low-pressure system will also bring strong winds. From Thursday into Friday, wind speeds could reach storm levels over the Gulf of Bothnia. Inland, powerful gusts could cause damage across much of the country. Uncertainty remains regarding the storm’s track and strength, which affects predictability.
By the weekend, sub-zero temperatures are expected across nearly all regions, including southern Finland.
“Even without precipitation, icy roads are likely during frosty nights,” Sinisalo added. “There is now a general need for winter tyres across the country.”
The Finnish Meteorological Institute advises motorists to prepare for changing road conditions throughout the week. Roads may become hazardous, especially in areas where snow or sleet is combined with rapidly falling temperatures and strong winds.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
