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Winter weather has returned to Finland after an early taste of spring, with heavy snowfall and hazardous driving conditions affecting large parts of the country. The snowfall, which began on Sunday night, has blanketed central Finland, making travel difficult and causing disruptions.
Up to 20 cm of snow has fallen in some areas, particularly in central and eastern Finland.
The Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) has issued widespread warnings for poor driving conditions, urging motorists to exercise caution.
“The snowfall is dense, and in addition to snow accumulating on the roads, large flakes significantly reduce visibility,” said meteorologist Elina Suorsa. The snow is expected to continue into Tuesday morning before clearing.
Temperatures have also dropped sharply after an unseasonably warm weekend, with some areas in the south reaching over 10°C on Saturday. Now, colder air from the north is bringing freezing conditions.
“Spring is taking a break. Temperatures will drop below freezing across most of the country, with Lapland experiencing particularly cold nights,” Suorsa added.
The snowfall has affected a wide area from Satakunta to North Karelia, with central Finland bearing the brunt of the storm. Meteorologist Tuukka Keränen described the snow as “wet, slushy, and heavy,” making roads slippery.
“The roads are treacherous, and conditions are worsening. Drivers should be prepared for delays and difficult travel,” Keränen warned.
As the snow moves eastward, colder air from the north will replace it, causing roads to freeze overnight. The FMI has warned that roads and pedestrian pathways will become icy.
The shift to colder temperatures is expected to last through the week. Nighttime temperatures could drop below -25°C in Lapland, with some areas possibly seeing -30°C.
During the day, temperatures will hover around freezing in the south and remain below zero in central and northern Finland.
“The cold spell will continue for at least a week, and there is still uncertainty about whether another snow system could bring more precipitation later in the week,” said meteorologist Joanna Rinne.
Forecasters have noted that while the dramatic drop in temperature may feel extreme compared to last weekend’s warmth, the current cold spell is typical for this time of year.
“Spring isn’t cancelled, but it’s on hold for now,” Rinne said.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
