The heatwave is expected to continue in the coming days.
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Finland has seen over two weeks with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius somewhere in the country. Image: Yle
Finland has officially broken its all-time heat record, with Saturday marking the 15th consecutive day that temperatures have exceeded 30 degrees Celsius somewhere in the country, according to Yle meteorologist Aleksi Lohtander.
The hottest spot on Saturday was Mikkeli, South Savo, according to Finnish weather service Foreca on X.
The previous record was already broken on Friday with 14 consecutive days above 30 degrees — surpassing the 1972 record of 13 days, which had stood since data collection began in 1961.
The heatwave is expected to continue in the coming days, Lohtander said.
According to the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI), the record-breaking temperature on Friday was recorded in Koitsanlahti, Parikkala, where the mercury again passed the 30 degree mark.
“If that threshold is crossed, it marks the 14th straight day of 30 degree temperatures somewhere in Finland,” FMI meteorologist Ville Siiskonen said Friday morning.
With Saturday’s new high, the streak now stands at 15.
UK media picks up on Santa’s sweltering summer
The extreme conditions have drawn international attention. The BBC published a report highlighting the challenges faced by none other than Santa Claus himself.
According to the article, the heatwave has forced Santa to warn his elves about heatstroke and encourage them to stay hydrated. Santa himself, dressed in his signature red suit, has reportedly spent most of his time indoors.
“I only go for a swim in the lake after 6pm, when things start to cool down,” he said.
Even the reindeer and tourists in Finnish Lapland are struggling to cope with the heat. One tourist told the BBC they came to Rovaniemi to escape the sweltering heat of Prague — only to find themselves sweating in 30-degree weather.
Heat will soon ease — but not disappear
Yle meteorologist Anniina Valtonen said on Friday morning that the warmest conditions were expected in southeast Finland and North Ostrobothnia.
“The 30 degree heatwave will likely continue through Friday and possibly Saturday. Sunday remains uncertain,” she said.
The persistent heat has been driven by a stable high-pressure system parked over Finland — a slow-moving phenomenon that has brought extended dry, sunny weather.
However, that system is now starting to shift slightly eastward into Russia, allowing more unstable conditions to move in from the west.
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to become more widespread on Sunday, particularly in western Finland. The sunniest and driest conditions are likely to be in the southeast.
“People should prepare for scattered rain showers across much of the country. These summer showers are actually welcome — they’re short-lived and can bring some brief relief from the heat,” Valtonen noted.
She predicted that temperatures are unlikely to exceed 30 degrees on Sunday, and next week could finally bring a pause to the intense heat — though warm conditions will persist.