Southern Finland continues to wait for its first proper snowfall of the season while Lapland already experiences winter conditions with temperatures plunging to -24°C in Muonio. The Finnish Meteorological Institute reports that the official definition of first snow requires at least one centimeter of snow cover at weather stations, a threshold not yet met in the country's southernmost regions.
Meteorologist Tuukka Keränen stated that southern Finland remains mostly snow-free or with minimal white coverage. Eastern Finland also shows patchy snow conditions. Meanwhile, other regions already have measurable snow accumulation with Central and Western Finland recording over five centimeters following Friday's snow showers.
Keränen noted the snow showers were highly localized, creating uneven distribution patterns. Central Lapland currently holds the deepest snow cover with Sodankylä measuring 29 centimeters of snow depth.
Snow showers continue moving across the country on Saturday, particularly affecting coastal areas. The Satakunta region experienced morning snow showers moving inland from the sea, potentially reaching Pirkanmaa and Southern Ostrobothnia. Similar conditions may develop in Northern Ostrobothnia's western parts with several additional centimeters of accumulation possible.
Authorities issued driving warnings for Southwest Finland, Satakunta, Pirkanmaa, and western Northern Ostrobothnia due to difficult road conditions from snow and sleet.
Temperature variations remain dramatic across the country. Southern and Central Finland experience temperatures slightly above freezing, while northern regions remain firmly in minus territory. Despite above-freezing temperatures in southern areas, any precipitation will still fall as snow according to meteorological analysis.
This delayed first snow in southern Finland represents an unusual weather pattern for early winter. Finland typically experiences snow cover establishing more uniformly across the country by this time of year. The current situation demonstrates how microclimates and localized weather systems create dramatically different winter conditions within relatively short geographical distances.
International readers and residents should note that Finnish infrastructure handles winter conditions exceptionally well, but the transition period between seasons often presents the most challenging driving conditions. The current patchy snow distribution means road conditions can change rapidly within short distances, requiring extra vigilance for motorists.
Northern Finland's early deep freeze and substantial snow accumulation align more closely with seasonal expectations. The -24°C reading in Muonio represents the coldest temperature measured so far this winter season, indicating proper winter conditions have firmly established in Lapland while southern regions experience a more gradual seasonal transition.