A pedestrian with an umbrella in snow and sleet in Hakaniemi, Helsinki. LEHTIKUVA
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Large parts of Finland are set for snow and freezing conditions this week as a cold front sweeps across the country, delaying the arrival of spring. Forecasts indicate that subzero temperatures and snowfall will affect nearly all regions through Friday, including southern areas such as Helsinki.
Meteorologist Henriikka Heikinoja from Yle said on Tuesday that colder air would arrive midweek, bringing widespread snow showers.
Gusty winds are also expected to strengthen on Wednesday before easing by Thursday.
The Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) warned that a significant drop in temperature will occur from Thursday onwards. A new low-pressure system is forecast to bring more precipitation across the country on Friday, with much of it expected to fall as snow.
“If all of the precipitation falls as snow, southern Finland could see up to five centimetres of accumulation,” said Heikinoja.
FMI meteorologist Kaisa Solin added that driving conditions on Friday morning may be poor, particularly for those using summer tyres. Snow is also expected in the capital region, with some accumulation likely during the night.
“Even Helsinki will see snowfall,” said Solin. “If the precipitation arrives in snow form, several centimetres could accumulate, though it is expected to melt during the day.”
Temperatures in southern Finland will hover around four degrees Celsius on Wednesday, but a persistent northerly wind will make conditions feel colder. As the front moves eastward, more regions will experience a temporary return to winter.
The shift in weather is expected to peak by Friday, after which a warming trend is forecast. By Sunday, temperatures in the south could exceed ten degrees, with parts of western Finland potentially reaching 15 degrees.
Longer-range forecasts suggest that next week will bring more consistent spring weather. However, meteorologists stress that snow in April is not unusual in Finland, and occasional snow showers can still occur as late as May.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
