Southern Finland experienced its first proper snowfall of the season overnight, with white landscapes appearing across multiple regions. The snow cover reached several centimeters in some areas, including Mäntsälä and Hämeenlinna, where residents reported substantial accumulation.
Meteorologist Eero Hallavo from the Finnish Meteorological Institute confirmed the observations. He noted that ground temperatures remain relatively warm across Southern Finland, causing much of the snow to melt upon contact. However, this creates dangerous conditions as melted snow refreezes into ice.
The snow area is moving slowly eastward across the southern half of the country and is expected to exit Finland's borders by early morning. Hallavo described the precipitation as highly scattered, with some locations receiving significant snowfall while nearby areas remain dry.
Road safety concerns are mounting as temperatures drop below freezing overnight. Hallavo issued a serious warning about slippery conditions developing across Southern Finland, particularly in the Helsinki metropolitan area. The combination of snowfall followed by freezing temperatures creates ideal conditions for black ice formation on road surfaces.
Road maintenance crews are actively salting major highways and urban streets, but drivers should exercise extreme caution. The meteorologist emphasized that even treated roads can become dangerously slippery when temperatures plummet rapidly after precipitation.
Finland's winter driving conditions present unique challenges for both local and international drivers. The country maintains one of Europe's most comprehensive winter road maintenance systems, yet sudden weather changes can outpace treatment efforts. This early-season snowfall serves as a critical reminder that winter driving precautions become necessary earlier than many anticipate.
Meanwhile, Western Finland around the Vaasa-Kokkola region experiences clearly positive temperatures. Northern Finland faces completely different conditions with substantial sub-zero temperatures already established. This temperature divide is typical for early winter in Finland, where coastal areas benefit from maritime influences while inland and northern regions face harsher conditions.
The early snowfall arrives during a period when many drivers haven't yet switched to winter tires, creating additional hazards. Finnish law requires winter tires from December through February, but many experts recommend earlier installation given unpredictable autumn weather. This weather event demonstrates why proactive winter preparation matters in Nordic countries where conditions can change rapidly.
International visitors and new residents should note that Finnish authorities provide real-time road condition updates through multiple digital platforms. The country's infrastructure handles winter conditions effectively, but individual caution remains essential during transition periods between seasons.