Outdoor enthusiasts in Helsinki’s Kaivopuisto on 13 July 2025. The Finnish Meteorological Institute warns of oppressive heat. Warnings for heavy rain and severe thunderstorms have also been issued for southern Finland. Photo: Heikki Saukkomaa / Lehtikuva
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Temperatures across Finland rose above 30°C on Monday, breaking the national summer record for the second consecutive day. The Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) reported a high of 31.6°C in Kaskinen, Ostrobothnia, on Monday afternoon.
The extreme heat follows a cooler and wetter start to the summer. Sunday’s previous high of 31.5°C, also recorded in Kaskinen, lasted less than 24 hours before being surpassed.
Most of Finland experienced widespread sunshine and hot conditions, with the heat extending across central and northern regions. The FMI issued a national heat alert covering nearly all of Finland except northern Lapland.
While much of the country remained dry, southwestern areas faced different conditions. The FMI issued thunderstorm and heavy rain warnings for parts of Southwest Finland. On-duty meteorologist Jani Sorsa told the Finnish News Agency STT that storms in this region could be intense and highly localised.
“Rainfall could reach up to 30 millimetres per hour in a very short time,” Sorsa said. “You could have sunshine all day in one town and, in the next, a violent thunderstorm.”
The risk of severe storms stems from humid air masses lingering over the region. Forecasts indicate this moist air will shift to drier conditions by Tuesday, which could reduce storm activity.
The hot spell also introduced tropical nights to parts of southern Finland. Overnight temperatures in several locations did not fall below 20°C, a phenomenon more common in southern Europe. More tropical nights are expected in the coming days, particularly in the south.
The difference between southern and northern Finland remains notable at night. While the south experienced tropical conditions, drier air in central and northern areas led to cooler nights with lows falling below 20°C.
Antti Jylhä-Ollila, a duty meteorologist at the FMI, confirmed that the highest readings could still be exceeded during the week. “The current summer high is under pressure early this week,” he said.
Warnings for oppressive heat remain in place, and authorities urge the public to stay hydrated and monitor conditions, especially in regions under thunderstorm alerts.
The weather pattern follows a period of low temperatures and rainfall earlier in the summer. The sudden shift to prolonged heat is unusual but not without precedent in recent years.
Tropical conditions are forecast to persist through midweek, with daytime highs remaining close to or above 30°C across much of Finland. Some moderation may occur later in the week as drier air begins to dominate.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
