Finland faces a severe weather system bringing powerful winds and precipitation across the country. Thursday marks the wettest and windiest day this week, with conditions intensifying overnight into Friday. The strongest gusts will hit northern regions and Central Finland, potentially reaching storm levels in Lapland.
Meteorologists report the most intense wind bursts will occur between Thursday and Friday night. The entire country may experience very windy conditions, with particularly strong winds forecast for the Perämeri area and near Oulun. Northwest winds in Perämeri could reach speeds up to 19 meters per second.
Authorities have issued strong wind warnings for maritime areas stretching from Perämeri to the Gulf of Finland. Sea travelers should exercise extreme caution during this period. A meteorologist stated that wind damage appears inevitable in Lapland's inland areas given the forecasted conditions.
The combination of heavy snowfall and strong winds significantly reduces visibility and creates hazardous road conditions. Pedestrians in Lapland should prepare for very slippery sidewalks starting Thursday. Temperature variations range widely across the country, from approximately 5-10 degrees in southern and central regions to between -6 and 6 degrees in northern areas.
This weather pattern reflects Finland's transitional autumn period, where Arctic and Atlantic systems frequently collide. The country's geographical position makes it particularly vulnerable to such weather extremes, especially in northern regions where early winter conditions are establishing.
The Finnish Meteorological Institute continues monitoring the situation closely. While weekend conditions should see winds weakening and precipitation becoming more scattered, the unstable weather pattern persists into next week. Temperatures are expected to drop further, potentially reaching freezing levels even in southern Finland by Monday.
Residents should secure outdoor items and prepare for potential travel disruptions. The weather service anticipates various forms of precipitation including water, sleet, and snow showers occurring sporadically across different regions. This storm system serves as a reminder that Finland's weather can change rapidly during seasonal transitions, requiring constant vigilance from both residents and visitors.