Finland's weather turns decisively wintery this week as snow reaches southern regions and heavy accumulations blanket the north. The Finnish Meteorological Institute reports the entire country will experience winter conditions, with northern areas receiving substantial snowfall while southern regions face a mix of rain and sleet.
Snowfall begins spreading from the Perämeri coast to Northern Ostrobothnia, Kainuu, and Lapland on Tuesday. Central and Northern Lapland will see primarily snow throughout the week. Between Tuesday and Friday, these areas could accumulate 20-40 centimeters of fresh snow. Even heavier accumulations are possible in some locations.
Southern and central Finland experience a different weather pattern. Warmer air pushed by southwesterly flows will bring temperatures near 10 degrees Celsius midweek. However, rain begins Wednesday evening and could become heavy near coastal areas.
Meteorologist Heikki Sinisalo noted in the weather bulletin that Thursday brings colder air from Northern Scandinavia. "Substantial snow accumulations aren't expected across wide areas yet, but by Friday morning, the first snow could decorate many locations in Central Finland and northward," Sinisalo said.
The weather system brings strong winds that could reach storm force in the Gulf of Bothnia. Strong gusts across mainland Finland may cause damage in many areas. Forecast uncertainty remains due to questions about the low-pressure system's exact path and intensity.
By weekend, temperatures drop across the entire country. All regions, including southern Finland, will experience freezing temperatures or conditions very close to freezing.
This early winter weather has practical implications for residents and travelers. Sinisalo directly stated what many Finns already know: "Winter tires are becoming necessary across the entire country."
The early snowfall contrasts with recent years when Helsinki saw snow only in late October. This shift suggests a potentially earlier and more substantial winter season. Finnish authorities typically recommend switching to winter tires when temperatures consistently drop below 7 degrees Celsius, a threshold now being reached nationwide.
International visitors and new residents should note that Finnish law requires winter tires from December through February, though many switch earlier based on conditions. The sudden weather change demonstrates how quickly Finnish seasons can transition, particularly as the country moves deeper into autumn.
Road conditions may deteriorate rapidly, especially in northern regions where snow accumulations will be heaviest. Travelers should check conditions before departing and ensure vehicles are properly equipped for winter driving.