Finland has broken a national weather record with 14 days in a row over 30°C, said the Finnish Meteorological Institute. This new record beats the old one from 1972, which had 13 straight hot days, according to the report by Helsinki Times.

On Friday, the temperature hit 30.3°C in Parikkala, confirming the 14th hot day in a row. This is now the longest and hottest heatwave ever recorded in Finland since 1961.

Meteorologist Jani Sorsa said Finland has broken two records:
A nationwide streak of days over 30°C.
A local streak in Ylitornio’s Meltosjärvi, where it was over 25°C for 15 days. That local record was also last set in 1972.

On Friday, almost the whole country was hot, except for far northern Lapland, where it stayed a little cooler. West coast areas felt some relief from sea breezes, but most parts stayed dry and hot, according to the report by Helsinki Times.

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The reason for the heat is a strong high-pressure system that’s been sitting over Finland for two weeks. Anniina Valtonen said the weather pattern has been slow-moving, which is why the heat hasn’t left. Because of no rain, the top layer of soil is now very dry, and there are warnings for heat and forest fires all over Finland.

What’s next for the weather?The heatwave will likely continue through Saturday, and temperatures may cross 30°C again. But by Sunday, rain and thunderstorms are expected in Lapland and eastern Finland.

More rain and thunder could spread from Satakunta to Ostrobothnia and the northeast by Sunday. Valtonen said a low-pressure system is coming, which might end the heatwave. If Saturday reaches 30°C again, the streak could grow to 15 days, but Sunday is uncertain, as per the report by Helsinki Times.

How are people and places affected?No national emergency yet, but local authorities are warning people to stay safe, especially elderly people and those with illnesses. Swimming pools and beaches are packed, like Leppävaara pool in Espoo and Hamina beaches.

Sales of fans and air conditioners have gone up, as people try to stay cool. Coastal towns had a little break thanks to sea winds, but inland cities like Parikkala, Joensuu, and Seinäjoki saw the highest temperatures, according to the report by Helsinki Times.

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Ville Siiskonen said that southeastern and Northern Ostrobothnia areas felt the hottest.
Even if the heatwave ends, next week will still be warm, but temps may drop below 30°C.

FAQsQ1. How long has Finland’s heatwave lasted?
Finland’s heatwave has lasted 14 straight days with temperatures over 30°C, setting a new national record.

Q2. What caused the long heatwave in Finland?
A stable high-pressure system over Finland caused the heatwave by keeping the weather hot and dry for two weeks.